Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president KT Rama Rao has issued a strong condemnation of racism, labeling it a severe crime that attacks the foundational principles of India's constitution. His remarks come in the wake of the brutal killing of Angel Chakma, an MBA student from Tripura, in Dehradun.
A Painful Reminder of Prejudice and Impunity
Referring directly to the Chakma case, KTR stated that the incident serves as a painful reminder of the devastating consequences when prejudice, abuse of power, and a sense of impunity converge. He emphasized that such crimes are not isolated events but are loud and tragic warnings of what occurs when hatred becomes normalized and discrimination is tolerated by society.
"India cannot afford this poison," asserted the BRS leader. He added that a nation built on the ideal of unity in diversity cannot survive if it practices selective hatred. For KTR, justice in these matters is non-negotiable, and racism—whether overt or subtle—must be met with absolute zero tolerance.
Moral and Constitutional Obligation for the Centre
KTR placed the responsibility squarely on the Central government, stating it bears both a moral and constitutional obligation to act decisively. He called for the enactment of strict and unambiguous laws that specifically criminalize racist speech, behavior, and incitement to violence.
These proposed laws, he argued, must have clear provisions for swift arrest, prosecution, and punishment of the perpetrators. "The rule of law must be uncompromising. Accountability cannot be selective," he asserted. The BRS leader framed the issue as more than just a law-and-order problem; it is a fundamental test of the Republic's commitment to justice and human rights for all its citizens.
Beyond Rhetoric: A Call for Institutional Action
In his statement, KT Rama Rao warned that allowing discrimination to fester corrodes institutions and endangers lives. He urged the Centre to move beyond mere rhetoric and ensure firm legal safeguards, robust enforcement mechanisms, and institutional accountability to prevent the recurrence of such hate crimes.
"Zero tolerance must be the standard—not an exception," KTR concluded, setting a clear benchmark for what he expects from the government's response. His comments highlight the growing political demand for a concrete legal framework to address racial discrimination and violence in the country.
