Patna, May 11 (UNI) The Congress on Sunday said former party president Rahul Gandhi is the "only ray of hope" for Dalits in the country and that is the reason behind several Dalit leaders now joining the party in the "quest for justice".

Working president of Gujarat Congress, Jignesh Mewani, while addressing a function organised to welcome Dalit leader Manish Paswan on his joining the party, said that impressed with Rahul Gandhi's vision and principles, several Dalit leaders were now joining the party.

"Rahul has been struggling hard to ensure justice to Dalits and all of us should work hard under his leadership to achieve the goal," Mewani said, adding that Dalit leaders and workers should take the lead in pressuring the government to get justice.

"Congress has vigorously raised the issue of justice for Dalits and it will continue with full vigour and strength till the goal is achieved," said Rajesh Ram, president of Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee (BPCC).

With the joining of Manish Paswan, the party's mass base would expand further among the oppressed and deprived sections of the society, he added.

Paswan, while speaking on the occasion, said that he was greatly impressed with the ideology of Rahul Gandhi, who has always been raising the issue of Dalits. Paswan pledged to work with all the might at his disposal to strengthen the party.

UNI KKS RN