Much to its own surprise and embarrassment, the BJP found itself in the awkward position of being forced to vote against a resolution to ensure that Dalits are treated equally all over the country.

Nobody knows how it happened. Perhaps it was because of the fact that a brand new Deputy Chairman was in the chair at that time. Perhaps it was just complacency. Whatever it was, despite all the meticulous planning and alert floor management throughout the rest of the day, there was a momentary slip-up. Unwittingly, the ruling party vindicated the Opposition charge that the Modi government is anti-Dalit.

It was the last afternoon of the last day of the Monsoon Session of the Rajya Sabha. It had been an action-packed day. The entire morning had been tumultuous and there were still some important Bills that to be passed late in the evening before the House was adjourned sine die. The House was taking up a few items of Private Members

business which are normally conducted peacefully and without any surprises.

The actual debate on the Private Member’s resolution moved by Vishambhar Prasad Nishad of the Samajwadi Party was also along expected lines. Passionate but peaceful - it was greeted with nods of approval and agreement from all the 100 members present in the House.

The problem cropped up when Nishad insisted on a vote. Normally, such non-official Bills and Resolutions are withdrawn by the Member who moves them. But on this occasion, the Samajwadi Member insisted that it should be put to the vote.

Deputy Chairman Harivansh proceeded to ask for a voice vote - and, as expected, declared that it had been ‘negatived’.

However, Nishad and some others demanded a ‘Division’, which means actual voting that is recorded and tallied. The Deputy Chairman went right ahead and ordered the “lobbies to be cleared” and set the voting process rolling.

There were howls of protest from the Treasury benches. Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad jumped to his feet and raised objections. BJP president Amit Shah, who happened to be present, was seen frantically conferring with those sitting near him. The ruling party seniors had obviously realised the political implications of putting on record their vote against the welfare of Dalits.