Title: Reported denial of right to hoist National Flag to a dalit women in Madhya Pradesh.
SHRI SANTASRI CHATTERJEE (SERAMPORE): Sir, only two days ago we have observed the 58th anniversary of our National Independence. But my heart bleeds to mention here that in Madhya Pradesh, the sarpanch of Patehra village, Shrimati Anita Bai Ahirwar, has been denied to hoist the national flag in the marketplace which fell under her panchayat. Her officials prevented her from hoisting the flag. She was told that*… a Dalit caste would not be allowed to hoist the flag. It is a disgrace. It is a serious matter.
Again, my heart bleeds to mention in this august House one more issue. The same was the situation last year … (Interruptions)
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Unparliamentary words will not go in the record.
… (Interruptions)
*Not Recorded
SHRI SANTASRI CHATTERJEE : A Dalit woman MLA, Shrimati Sonabai Ahirwar from Pathariya constituency, in the same region, was restrained from hoisting the flag. Some officials were suspended for this serious offence. So, again, this has happened.
So, I urge upon the hon. Minister of Home Affairs to take a very serious view in this matter. I also hope that the entire House will share my concern and will unequivocally condemn this action of some of the officials. The Government of Madhya Pradesh be requested to send the report as to what is the actual fact. How long will this be tolerated in our country? Our Dalit people are depressed and deprived. They are downtrodden and, today when we are observing 58 years of national freedom, they are being tortured.
Sir, I want your kind intervention in this matter. Let the hon. Minister of Home Affairs come and make a statement in the House.