Bari MLA Girraj Malinga, facing charges under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act for assaulting a Dalit engineer, joined the BJP after the Congress denied him a ticket. The Congress defends its decision, citing a firm stance against serious crimes. Malinga’s swift induction into the BJP and nomination as its candidate for the upcoming election sparks criticism. Congress accuses the BJP of disregarding Dalit rights, while Malinga claims harassment by the Congress. The assault case, involving casteist slurs, occurred in March 2022, and Malinga, admitted for COVID-19, awaits the filing of the charge-sheet.