Congress hits out at Athawale for his ‘accept Buddhism’ remark

New Delhi, July 30 (IANS) Congress on Saturday hit out at Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale for his remark that BSP chief Mayawati and Dalits should accept Buddhism, saying that such remarks are "dangerous and painful".

Congress also asked if Athawale was suggesting that safety of the Dalits in India would be ensured only by accepting Buddhism.

"When he said that everyone and even Mayawati should accept Buddhism, is he suggesting that the BJP government has been unsuccessful in ensuring safety of the Dalits?," Congress spokesperson Shobha Ojha told mediapersons.

"Is he also suggesting that they will lose their right to live if they remain Dalits. If he is saying that safety of Dalits will be ensured under Modi government only by accepting Buddhism, then it is a very dangerous and painful thing," Ojha said.

In an interview to The Indian Express, the newly inducted Minister of State said "that protection of cows should not be at the expense of human lives." He also said that BSP chief Mayawati and the Dalits should embrace Buddhism.

"When he said instead of cow's protection, people's safety should be ensured. Of course, it should be done. The Constitution gives us the right to ensure protection of the people and right to life. So, the government or his ministers don't need to say that," said Ojha.