Congress, VBA, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Condemn Violence Against Dalits

Mumbai, Maharashtra - Following violence that erupted in Parbhani town earlier this week, the Maharashtra Congress has called for the suspension of Superintendent of Police Ravindrasingh Pardeshi. The party alleges police atrocities against the Dalit population and condemned the desecration of a B.R. Ambedkar statue near the Parbhani railway station on Tuesday.

State Congress President Nana Patole termed the statue desecration a "grave insult" to Ambedkar and demanded swift action against those responsible. "Such acts of disrespect to Ambedkar have no place in the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Chhatrapati Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj, Jyotirao Phule and other icons," Patole stated. Patole criticized the government's response, saying Chief Minister Fadnavis and the two Deputy CMs were busy allocating key ministries or portfolios with no concern for the well-being of the people. Patole also criticized the police response, stating that they have imposed a curfew, suspended internet and public transportation, used tear gas, and baton-charged the Dalits, proving they failed to handle the situation sensitively.

The Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi and Jamaat-e-Islami Hind condemned the violence and called for an end to Dalit targeting. VBA President Prakash Ambedkar demanded that Chief Minister Fadnavis and Nanded Range Special IGP Shahaji Umap end arrests of Dalits and combing operations in Dalit neighborhoods. Ambedkar warned of potential agitations if the police action does not cease by Friday noon.

JIH President Maulana Ilyas Khan Falahi called the Ambedkar statue desecration a "provocative act" and warned that the perpetrators are attempting to undermine the Constitution.

Parbhani Collector Raghunath K. Gawade, however, defended the police's actions, stating that they are exercising restraint and only detaining those involved in the clashes.

Despite the unrest, authorities have arrested 40 individuals in connection with the violence, which saw stone-pelting, arson, and damage to property. The incident has drawn sharp criticism and is expected to be raised in the upcoming Winter Session of the Maharashtra Assembly in Nagpur on December 16.