Dalits submit memoradum to Speaker against ''insulting'' remarks

Gandhinagar, Mar 29 (UNI) Leaders of the scheduled tribe wing of the ruling BJP today submitted a memorandum to Assembly speaker to lodge their protest against the recent ''insulting remarks'' made by a Congress leader on Ambedkar Bhavan in the State Assembly.

The leaders led by BJP dalit wing President Atmaram Parmar met Gujarat Speaker Mangaldas Patel and demanded that the Congress MLA Pravin Maru should tender an apology to the dalit community for the ''insulting'' remarks on Ambedkar Bhavan.

A large number of dalits from across the State had reached State capital Gandhinagar to attend the ''Bhim Swamaan Rally'' today but were dispersed peacefully after lodging their protest in view of the prohibitory orders.

Parmar said that the rally had been called at Gandhinagar to lodge their protest in view of the remarks made by Congress MLA Pravin Maru on Dr Ambedkar Bhavans constructed in each district headquarters. He said the remarks had deeply hurt the sentiments of dalits in Gujarat. Mr Maru had commented in the State Assembly that the BJP government should spend money on providing houses to dalits than contructing Dr Ambedkar Memorials, which were standing like a ''Bhutia House'' (Ghost House).

However, Mr Maru had tendered his apology in the House following protests from the ruling party members and Speaker had expunged the words from the official records.

UNI