New Delhi: A controversy erupted on Monday when a dalit Congress worker accused party's Delhi unit chief Ajay Maken of using "derogatory and casteist language" against him.
Congress worker Dharmpal Natkhat on Monday lodged a police complaint at Mandir Marg Police Station alleging that Maken had used abused him soon after the birthday celebrations of party vice-president Rahul Gandhi at the AICC headquarters here yesterday. He presented an audio recording as proof which Maken claimed was "doctored".
"The tape (voice clip) is doctored. I am in politics for 34 years and I have never used such language against anyone and no one has ever alleged me of using such language," he said.
Dharmpal in his complaint claimed that while meeting Rahul Gandhi at 24, Akbar Road office of the party, he mentioned about the death of his son December last and expressed his disappointment that Maken did not pay a visit that time, at which the party vice-president asked Maken to visit Dharmpal's house next day.
He alleged that following this Maken called him and used "derogatory language and casteist words" against him.
“I told him (Rahul) my son died and I am a party worker, but Ajay Maken ji didn’t visit my place. Rahul ji asked Ajay ji to visit my place. He (Ajay Maken) thought I was complaining against him. He called me after half-an-hour and started abusing me. I was treated like that because I am a Dalit,” Natkhat said.
Dharmpal, who runs a catering business, claimed that he was registered as a Congress member way back in 1978 and rose to be elected as secretary of the Delhi unit of party's volunteer wing Sewa Dal.
“What wrong did I do? I met Sonia ji. I have lodged an FIR in this regard at the Mandir Marg police station,” he added.
Natkhat further said that he has received threatening calls to withdraw the complaint against Maken. “They told me if I am seen anywhere nearby the AICC, my second son would be killed. Where should I go now?.. It was shocking that he used such languages,” he added.
“I said I won’t take back the complaint even if it costs my life. Even Oscar (Fernandes) ji came to my place. I am thankful to him. He (Maken) drinks in the evening and doesn’t remain in his senses. I asked him not to drink considering his age,” he added.
Claiming his close association with several senior party leaders, Dharmpal also said he was a life member of Congress and will remain so despite the incident.
In his complaint, he has asked police for protection expressing threat to life.
"We have received a complaint and looking into it," New Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police, Jatin Narwal said.
At the AICC briefing, party spokesman Jairam Ramesh faced a volley of questions on the issue including whether Maken should apologise.
Ramesh said that Maken has already clarified the whole issue and he is not likely to say anything more.
"Dont trivialise the AICC briefing when we are talking of issues like Raghuram Rajan, FDI policy and NSG," he said.
“This is a conversation between two individuals,” Jairam added.
