Ex-Speaker Meira Kumar Condemns Dalit Boy's Lynching, Says 'Caste System Greatest Enemy'

Referring to the incident that happened 100 years ago with her father, Babu Jagjivan Ram, Meira Kumar said that even after 75 years of independence, the caste system remains our biggest enemy.

Meira Kumar said that even after 75 years of independence, the caste system remains our biggest enemy.

Source : Getty Images

New Delhi: Former Lok Sabha speaker and former minister, Meira Kumar targeted the Ashok Gehlot government in Rajasthan over the death of a nine-year-old Dalit boy in the state's Jalore district. The boy was beaten to death by his teacher for allegedly touching a drinking water pot which was meant for 'upper castes'. Referring to the incident that happened 100 years ago with Meira Kumar's father, Dalit leader and former deputy Prime Minister, Babu Jagjivan Ram, she said that even after 75 years of independence, caste system remains our biggest enemy.

"100 years ago my father Jagjivan Ram was prohibited from drinking water in school from the pitcher meant for Savarna Hindus and it was a miracle his life was saved," Meira Kumar said in a tweet.

"Today, a nine-year-old Dalit boy has been killed for the same reason. 75 long years after Independence, caste system remains our greatest enemy," she added.

100 years ago my father Babu Jagjivan Ram was prohibited from drinking water in school from the pitcher meant for Savarna Hindus. It was a miracle his life was saved. 1/2

— Meira Kumar (@meira_kumar) August 15, 2022

Today, a nine year old #Dalit boy has been killed for the same reason.

75 long years after Independence, caste system remains our greatest enemy. 2/2

— Meira Kumar (@meira_kumar) August 15, 2022

Born in Bihar, Meira Kumar has been a five-time MP. She was also a Union Minister and the country's first woman speaker in the Lok Sabha. 

Meanwhile, 12 Congress councillors in Rajasthan’s Baran Municipal Council sent their resignation letters to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, expressing anguish over atrocities against the Dalits.