NEW DELHI: The national dalit panel has sent a notice to the Rajasthan government for not arresting sociologist Ashis Nandy for his "derogatory" remarks against backward classes, stirring the issue further despite clarifications from the renowned academic.
P L Punia, chairman of National Commission for SCs, said he had sent a notice to the Rajasthan government asking why it had not arrested Nandy for saying that SCs/STs and OBCs were most corrupt. He said the statement was a casteist slur that could not be tolerated.
While saying he would speak to the state DGP and chief secretary about the issue, Punia said the controversy had to be dealt with firmly since Nandy's clarification did not dilute the import of his statement at the Jaipur Lit Fest.
The commission's hard-line contrasted with Nandy's own clarification that he had made a pro-dalit remark, trying to imply that corruption among poor was easily caught while those of "elite" could be swept under the carpet easily. He dubbed corruption as an "equalizing force".
The issue may snowball if the national panel does insist on action against the renowned academic since few political parties appear to be in a position to take a soft line for fear of incurring wrath of dalit activists.
In a rare show, dalit activist and writer Kancha Ilaiah jumped to Nandy's defence by saying that his intent was good even if the statement was not, and said the controversy should be closed.
Nandy himself was combative in clarifying his position. Asked about the demand for his arrest, he said, "By seeking my arrest, they are only indulging in dangerous games."
Dalit panel sends notice to Rajasthan govt for not arresting Nandy
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Dalit panel sends notice to Rajasthan govt for not arresting Nandy
