Dattatraya pleads innocence; says simply forwarded representations

Expressing his heartfelt condolences over the death of HCU research scholar Rohith Vemula and sympathizing with his family members, Union minister Bandaru Dattatraya here on Wednesday clarified that he merely forwarded two representations received from ABVP students on August 10 and 29 last year to the HRD Ministry requesting to initiate appropriate steps and help improve the atmosphere in the University for good of the student community.

            In a statement here today, Dattatraya made it clear that he, in any manner, did not try to influence any decision taken by the University in the case directly or indirectly by simply forwarding the two representations to the Ministry concerned. Stating that his role was only



limited to forwarding the representations customarily, Dattatraya also made it clear that he would have forwarded similar representations from any other students body had they approached him. He hoped the matter would rest with his clarification.

            “Apart from being a Union Minister, I am also an elected Member of Parliament from Secunderabad Lok Sabha constituency. Since my entry into politics in 80’s, I have always been a leader connected to the weaker, downtrodden and all sections of the society on a daily basis, whether or not in any positions of power. Taking representations from common people, constituents and forwarding them to the ministries concerned is what I considered my earnest responsibility by being an elected people’s representative”, he clarified.

            “I wholeheartedly wish his (Rohith’s) family gain strength to withstand and overcome this irreparable loss,” he added.