Former Gujarat Chief Minister Shankersinh Vaghela has refused to apologise for his remark on “manual scavenging” made at a tribal community protest meeting in Sagbara taluka of Narmada district. His sharp response comes amid protests and anger across Gujarat’s upper-caste communities over the statement.
“I never retract my statements”
Clarifying his position on the controversy, Vaghela said, “BJP people have pounced on the statement I made in a conversation with distressed tribal farmers without understanding it. I never retract a statement, so the question of apologising does not arise.”
The former Chief Minister said the BJP governments in Gujarat and at the Centre are anti-reservation. “The statement I made was meant for people who are against reservation. What I meant was that reservation is the compensation for those who have been doing manual scavenging for years. My statement was for the BJP, and the BJP has a habit of creating trouble out of nothing. Think before commenting on me, and don’t joke with me. I am not an ordinary leader,” he said.
What triggered the controversy?
Speaking at a public meeting held at Khopi village in Sagbara over the issue of cultivation of forest land, Vaghela had said, “I tell many people that if you want a manual scavenging job, whether you are a Vania, Brahmin or Patel, I will pay you Rs 50,000 a month for it. Do this work for these people and live in the conditions they live in, and then you will know what situation they face. There is no electricity, no water, nothing. Their right and their reservation here have existed for years. SC, ST and OBC together make up 70 per cent, and you are the real owners of Gujarat.”
Also Read:Watch Video : Car Bursts Into Blast During CNG Filling on NH-48, 2 Vehicles Damaged
Upper-caste leaders angered, threaten protest at “Vasant Vagdo”
Following the remark, leaders of the Brahmin and Patidar communities registered strong objections. Brahmin community leaders called the statement an attempt to spread class conflict and civil strife. They warned that if Vaghela does not apologise publicly within three days, a strong demonstration will be held outside his residence, “Vasant Vagdo”, in Gandhinagar.
Patidar leaders also called the remark absurd and said it was made to please a particular section. They advised Vaghela to be mindful of his age and maturity.
With Vaghela flatly refusing to bow to the demand for an apology and the threat of agitation from the upper-caste communities, the political and social tension looks likely to intensify.
-
-
-
-
