Atrocities against dalits on rise in UP: Paswan

Bhopal, Jan 5 (UNI) Lok Janshakti Party President and Union Chemical and Fertiliser Minister Ram Vilas Paswan today alleged that atrocities against dalits had risen in Uttar Pradesh after the BSP came to power.

Mr Paswan, who was here to take part in party executive meeting, told reporters that the BSP used to criticise 'Manuvadi' thought of other parties but was now being run on the same principles.

He said the BSP came to power by taking support of an opportunist coalition. Since it lacked clear thought and ideology, the BSP, which talked about welfare of dalits, had become their tormentor.

Mr Paswan said this was the reason that BSP candidates lost their deposits in assembly elections in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh and Balia bypoll.

On emphatic victory of the BJP under Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, he said the Congress had to face defeat as it did not announce the name of its Chief Ministerial candidate.

Replying to a question, Mr Paswan said he advocated bringing reservation for economically backward of all sections.

He said the LJP would field candidates from all 230 assembly seats in the next years' assembly elections.

UNI SD-PS MSJ RN2114