Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula's suicide: Subramanian Swamy stokes controversy, terms protesters 'dogs'

New Delhi: In a fresh development which can further add fuel to the fire, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on Friday, in a controversial tweet, termed the protesters who are agitating against the suicide of the dalit scholar Rohith Vemula as 'dogs'.

The development comes on the very same day when PM Narendra Modi broke his silence and made all the right noises on Vemula's death and on Babasaheb Ambedkar during a tour of Uttar Pradesh today.

According to Aaj Tak, Swamy's controversial 'dog remark' was made four hours prior to PM Modi's address at a convocation ceremony at Ambedkar University in Lucknow. However, on Twitter the timing of the BJP leader's message was same as of PM's address.

In his tweet, Swamy wrote:

The Hyd U drama is fast becoming the biggest con job of Communists and their running dogs

— Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) January 22, 2016

PM today said that he was deeply saddened by the tragedy, suicide of Dalit scholar from University of Hyderabad, Rohith Vemula.

In his speech at the 6th convocation of the Bhimrao Ambedkar university in Lucknow, he choked and paused while referring to the scholar's death on last Sunday, triggering protests across the country.

"I am not going into the reasons, politics of the issue, but I empathise with the family who has lost so much," he said as tears welled up in his eyes.

He further said that at a time when the entire nation looks up to the youth for inspiration and strength, a news like this brings sadness.

PM Modi also told youngsters not to take such drastic steps.

Earlier at the event, two students raised slogans against the prime minister as union Home Minister Rajnath Singh concluded his speech and Modi rose to address the gathering.

As they shouted that the killers of Rohith Vemula were still alive and raised slogans like "go back Modi", police officials whisked them away and the Prime Minister began his speech.