There is ‘jungle raj’ in Gujarat: Arvind Kejriwal

Ahmedabad, Aug 16 (PTI) Delhi Chief Minister Arvindtoday claimed that a "jungle raj" prevailed in Gujarat, citingthe recent attacks on Dalits and the Patidar agitation. Kejriwal raised the issue of Dalits who were againattacked at Una yesterday after an Independence Day ceremony,alleging that the government is deliberately organising suchattacks. "When Dalit community members were yesterday returningafter Independence Day celebration at Una, they were againattacked and police did nothing. It is obvious that thoseattacking Dalits repeatedly are criminals sent by the BJPgovernment of Gujarat," Kejriwal told reporters here. "It appears that people from different communities inthe state are frustrated with the government and are raisingtheir voice as a way of protest. There is a kind of ‘jungleraj’ in Gujarat," he said. Kejriwal alleged that the Gujarat government isintolerant towards peaceful protesters, whether they areDalits or Patidars. "An environment of oppression prevails in Gujarat…BJP government should understand that this is a democracy andnot dictatorship. People matter. They will teach such a lessonthat it will never forget," he added. "Government is doing it deliberately. When I came hereearlier (to meet Una Dalit atrocity victims), I said it iseither government’s failure or government is doing thisdeliberately. Why otherwise should police remain a mutespectator? They have an order from above that they are ourpeople, don’t do anything to them, we have to teach them alesson," he said. "Whosoever holds peaceful protest, whether they arePatidars or Dalits, are being attacked. They use tools likepolice to beat them up, then file false FIR against poorpeople, as a poor person will not even be able to hire alawyer," the Delhi Chief Minister added. Kejriwal was among several political leaders who hadvisited Una in Gir Somnath district to meet Dalit youths whowere attacked by a group of cow vigilantes. PTI KA PD NRB SMNBAS