Buta alleges anti-dalit policy adopted during PRIs polls

Phagwara, May 21 (UNI) National Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Commission Chairman and Former Union Home Minister Buta Singh has alleged that government machinery in Punjab had adopted anti-dalits policy during the Block Samiti, Zila Parishads and ongoing Panchayat Elections to please ruling SAD-BJP alliance.

Talking to newspersons here last night, Mr Singh demanded a high- level probe into the matter and said he was collecting details about excesses committed against dalits and will soon write to Election Commission, Centre and State Government in this regard.

He said few delegations of dalits which met him had alleged that the reservation was being made on the basis of the population at block levels and dalits candidates were being forced by election machinary to contest from general seats.

He also spoke against increasing numbers of land mafias in the country which were being allegedly patronised by few political parties.

Mr Buta Singh said Delhi Airport Authority was unable to provide alternative residence to those residents whose properties were acquired by the Authority.

"More than 1500 families were still houseless and I will soon meet Delhi Governor Tejinder Khanna for restoration of their rights,'' he said.

UNI XC-JN BK1837