7 hours ago
CPI demands action against Adoni MLA for making ‘casteist remarks' against Dalit sarpanch
The Communist Party of India (CPI) has strongly condemned Adoni MLA P.V. Parthasarathi for allegedly making casteist and religious remarks against a Dalit sarpanch during a public meeting at Dhanapuram village of Adoni constituency in Kurnool district.
CPI State secretary K. Ramakrishna issued a statement on Saturday, demanding immediate action against the legislator. According to Mr. Ramakrishna, the incident took place during a recent event at Dhanapuram, where the village sarpanch, a member of the Dalit community, was deliberately denied the opportunity to come onto the stage. The CPI leader described the act as 'outrageous and disgraceful,' accusing the MLA of insulting the sarpanch based on caste.
'Even while tendering an apology, the MLA mentioned the sarpanch's religion, which is absolutely unacceptable,' Mr. Ramakrishna stated, adding that such behaviour was unbecoming of an elected representative in a democratic and civil society. He said that public officials must act with a sense of responsibility and avoid any reference to caste or religion in their public conduct. 'We demand strict action against MLA Parthasarathi. The government must ensure such incidents are not repeated in future,' he said.
It may be recalled that a video from Adoni in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district has gone viral, showing the BJP MLA allegedly humiliating a Dalit sarpanch during a public event on June 16. The MLA is seen denying the sarpanch access to the stage and questioning, 'Is he a Christian?' after learning about his caste.