NEW DELHI: Preparing for a second showdown with the Modi government after their April protest, Dalit outfits have urged all political parties, including the ruling BJP, to take up their demands in Parliament during the monsoon session and have set a July 30 deadline for the government to reach out to them.

If the Centre failed to meet their demands, which were put forward in April too, the Dalits would hit the streets once again across the country along with farmers, industrial workers, ex-servicemen and minority groups, chief coordinator of the movement and Dalit activist Ashok Bharti told TOI.

A Bharat Bandh has been tentatively called on August 9. Protests will be held through rallies, dharnas and striking work. “We will hold peaceful protests. By presenting flowers to shop owners we will request them to keep their establishments shut on that day to show solidarity with our cause,” Bharti said. The formal call to the government to heed their demands will be made at a joint press conference of the various groups on July 24.

“We will tell the parties that they should take up our cause. If the government ignores us, we will not accept them any more,” Bharti said.

