Buta's NCSC and Mayawati locked in open confrontation

New Delhi, Apr 4 (UNI) The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) today came out in open confrontation with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, lashing out at her comments against its ''inaction'' in connection with BKU leader Mahendra Singh Tikait's alleged casteist remarks, and said her actions towards Dalits were under the scanner.

The Commission said an increasing number of cases of atrocities against the SCs would be pursued vigorously and rapped Ms Mayawati for ''diluting'' the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in the state.

One of the members Satya Bahin described her as real ''Manuwadi'' at a press conference, which Ms Mayawati had addressed along with NCSC Chairman Buta Singh and other members here.

Though the Commission said action against Tikait would follow after it got the text of his objectionable speech, and expressed its solidarity with her in the case, it minced no words in asserting that her rule had been most ''unjust'' to the SCs and it was better that she put her own house in order.

It also made it clear it had not taken kindly the ''insult'' shown by Ms Mayawati and her staff towards Mr Singh and other NCSC members.

Mr Singh said he felt very humiliated over the allegations of Ms Mayawati against him and the behaviour of her personal staff who refused to recognise his name and status when he tried to contact her over phone in connection with Tikait's remarks.

The UP Chief Minister had reportedly said Mr Singh's ''silence in this case indicates that either he has lost his voice or the Congress' part has gagged his voice.'' She had also demanded his resignation.

Mr Singh expressed his deep anguish over her remarks.

The Commission distributed copies of official documents to mediapersons in support of its contention over Ms Mayawati's action to ''dilute'' the ST Atrocities Act.

Member Mahendra Bodh said in fact state Chief Secretary had been summoned by the Commission to explain the conduct of the state government in issuing orders that amounted to dilution of the Act.

He pointed out that Ms Mayawati after coming to power in the state had directed all police authorities to invoke the Act only in cases of crime like murder and rape and not other cases. He distributed copies of the circular to mediapersons.

Ms Bahin said a circular issued later also asked police authorities to book a SC person under Section 182 of the IPC if he/she was found to have lodged a fabricated case under the Act.

This, she said, was quite unconstitutional as no state government had power to change a Central law. The issue had been taken up with the state government.

She claimed the fact was that Ms Mayawati had no concern for Dalits and no person from that class could even dare to sit by her.

''In fact it was she who was the real Manuwadi,'' she said.

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