The Congress on Wednesday defended its decision to deny a ticket to Bari MLA Girraj Malinga, who is facing charges that he assaulted a Dalit engineer of the Rajasthan Energy Department more than a year ago. After the State’s ruling party dropped him, Mr. Malinga joined the BJP on November 5 and was fielded as its candidate for the Assembly election from Bari later that evening.
Congress general secretary in charge of organisation K.C. Venugopal said that the party had taken a “firm decision” to refuse a ticket to someone accused of a serious crime against a Dalit. “However, immediately after we denied the ticket, the BJP welcomed Mr. Malinga with open arms,” he said. “Such a jubilant welcome shows that they [the BJP] have no regard for the rights or safety of Dalits. In fact, it confirms their oppressive and anti-Dalit attitude,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
