Dalit Lands Under Attack, BSP Demands Urgent Government Protection

Andhra Pradesh: As the relay hunger strike entered its 25th day at the Kadapa RDO office, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) District President Sagili Gurrappa raised serious concerns over the increasing illegal occupation of Dalit lands by upper caste groups. He urged governments to ensure strict legal protection and immediate action to safeguard Dalit land rights.

• Upper castes illegally occupying Dalit lands, says BSP

Gurrappa, who inaugurated the 24th day of the relay hunger strike organized by the Dalit Tribal Rights Struggle Association, alleged that Dalit farmers across India are being systematically targeted, with their lands taken away violently through power, money, and political influence. “The Dalits are being evicted from lands they rightfully own. In some cases, they are forced to return to the same land as labourers,” he said.

• Government’s negligence fuelling Dalit backwardness

The BSP leader emphasized that ruling governments have ignored the development of Dalits and failed to protect even the small plots of land allocated to them under welfare schemes. “An acre or half-acre is all they have, and even that is not safe,” Gurrappa stated. “If the government cannot protect their land, what justice can Dalits expect?”

• Call for strict legal action against encroachers

He demanded that any encroachment of Dalit land, regardless of the perpetrator’s status or caste, be met with firm legal consequences. “Governments must ensure that no one dares to encroach on Dalit land. Strict action must be taken against the guilty, whoever they may be.”

• BSP to support round table and siege program

Expressing solidarity with the ongoing struggle of old Kadapa Dalits, Gurrappa pledged full support from the Bahujan Samaj Party. He also announced active BSP participation in the round table and RDO office siege program scheduled for August 10.

• Protest grows with community participation

Several protestors and supporters participated in the relay hunger strike on Wednesday, including Chinna Subbaiah, Venkata Subbaiah, Balakrishna, Diwakar, Obulesu, and honorary presidents of the Dalit Tribal Rights Struggle Association — Madagalam Prasad, Venkatesh, Obulesu, Pratap Reddy, Palamma, and Obulamma, among others.The protestors reaffirmed that they would continue the hunger strike until justice is delivered and the land returned to rightful Dalit owners.