BJP candidates contesting the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) elections, scheduled to be held on February 2, faced protests when they went to colonies with a sizeable Dalit population.

Angry residents either chased away BJP candidates or asked them to go back from as many as 65 municipal wards.

“Why does BJP need votes from anti-nationals and casteists? Go away, go away,” the crowds chanted, as candidates retreated.

On Sunday, Dalit leaders are expected to take out a rally urging Dalits not to vote for the BJP. “The policies of the BJP and the harassment of ABVP led to Rohith Vemula’s suicide. Why should we vote for BJP? We will walk through 65 wards where there is a sizeable population of Dalits and appeal to them not to vote for BJP candidates,” B Brahma Prasad, Telangana state president of Mala Sangham, said.

Huge banners were also put up in many colonies asking “anti-Dalit people” not to come asking for votes.

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