Scheduled Caste, minority wings of Congress are planning joint action against atrocities

Congress MP and AICC Minority Chapter President Imran Pratapgarhi addresses the Dalit-Minority Unity meeting at Indira Bhawan in New Delhi on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Photo credit: AICC via ANI

The Scheduled Castes (SC) and minority wards of the Congress on Saturday (June 6, 2026) announced a joint nationwide campaign against alleged atrocities on Dalits, minorities and other marginalized communities. The campaign will culminate in a major protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20 to coincide with the monsoon session of Parliament.

MPs, MLAs and community representatives from across the country will attend the rally on July 20, Rajendra Pal Gautam, head of the SC department, and Rajya Sabha member Imran Pratapgarhi, who heads the minority department, said at a press conference after the joint convention of the two departments.

Mr. Gautam argued that Dalits, Adivasis, minorities and backward communities continued to face systemic discrimination and argued that institutions like the police and bureaucracy often operated with prejudice against them. Pointing out the differences in the eligibility norms for the scholarships, he noted that the annual income ceiling for SC, ST, OBC and minority students was ₹ 2.5 lakh compared to ₹ 8 lakh for beneficiaries in the Economically Weaker Section category. He also criticized the inadequate budgetary support for finance and development corporations meant for SCs and STs.

Mr. Pratapgarhi accused the Center of being indifferent to atrocities on marginalized communities. He said the two departments will coordinate activities down to the district and block levels and stand with the victims wherever cases of oppression are reported.

A joint meeting of the advisory board will be held in Lucknow later this month, he added.

Published – June 6, 2026 11:33 PM IST