Major setback to Kaithal INLD as SC cell prez joins Congress

In a major political setback to the INLD in Kaithal, the party’s SC cell district president Ram Niwas Mehra, joined the Congress on Monday under the leadership of Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Singh Surjewala.

Addressing a gathering in Kaithal, Surjewala launched an attack on the BJP, accusing it of consistently targeting Dalits and the poor. “The BJP, which openly talks about changing the Constitution, was stopped at just 240 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections by the collective will of the SCs, BCs and the poor. This verdict is a strong message against the BJP’s divisive and discriminatory agenda,” Surjewala said.

Highlighting the alleged mistreatment of Dalit officers and workers in Haryana, Surjewala said, “If a senior Dalit officer like ADGP Y Puran Kumar cannot get justice, what hope does a common Dalit or poor person have? The BJP’s rule has become a curse for the marginalised.”

Referring to the tragic suicide of ADGP Kumar, Surjewala said, “He was an IIM Ahmedabad alumnus, who scored higher than IAS candidates in the UPSC exam, yet he was denied justice. His wife is a senior IAS officer, still they could not get justice. This exposes the BJP’s anti-Dalit mindset.”

He recalled several incidents of alleged humiliation of Dalit officers and leaders during the BJP’s tenure. “A senior BJP minister publicly insulted a Dalit woman IPS officer. A Dalit BJP woman MLA received repeated threats and had to plead for security. On Independence Day, a Dalit BJP MLA from Hisar was not even allowed to sit on the stage — a shameful display of discrimination,” Surjewala alleged.

Welcoming Ram Niwas Mehra into the Congress, Surjewala said, “Leaders like Mehra are warriors who will stand up against the BJP’s unjust rule. Together, we will uproot this government.”

Kaithal MLA Aditya Surjewala echoed his father’s remarks, saying that the Congress had always stood with the poor, farmers, labourers and backward communities. “We will continue to fight for their rights. I welcome Ram Niwas Mehra into the Congress family and assure him of full respect and support as we work together for the people,” he said.