The government has said, it is committed for the development, safety and security of dalits in the country. Talking to media outside Parliament, Information and Broadcasting Minister Venkaiah Naidu said, the Centre has taken several initiatives for their empowerment.

He criticised Congress and other political parties for unnecessarily politicising the issue. He said attempts are being made to defame the NDA government at the Centre. Mr Naidu wondered why the Congress has become pro-dalits suddenly despite the fact the states ruled by it have witnessed atrocities against them.