Opposition using Dalits as pawns: Jawahar

Eluru: Excise minister KS Jawahar alleged that the Opposition parties were using the Dalits as pawns and throwing them on the streets.

Addressing a press conference, here on Thursday, the minister lamented that communists and Opposition parties were provoking the Dalits, for their personal gains. Accusing them of playing wicked politics, the minister said that Kapu leader Mudragada Padmanabham was being used as a pawn.

“The Opposition is playing caste politics and Mudragada became a pawn. Opposition started false propaganda against the government,” he said and warned that government would not keep quiet if anyone creates unrest in the state.

“Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has taken up steps to fulfil the assurances given in the manifesto and has constituted the Kapu Corporation for the welfare of the Kapu community,” he informed. He stated that the government has also taken up steps for the welfare of the Dalits in the state.

The minister said that they have started closing belt shops. “The new excise policy is transparent and action would be initiated on the licensed liquor shops, which run belt shops,” he warned.

Eluru MLA Badeti Kota Rama Rao (Bujji), AP State Handicrafts Corporation chairman Pali Prasad, Telugu Yuvata president Maganti Ramji were also present.