BJP Faces Outrage Over Dalit Discrimination in Rajasthan Ahead of Ambedkar Jayanti
As India marks the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the BJP finds itself at the center of a growing controversy in Rajasthan. A viral video has sparked widespread backlash after senior BJP leader Gyan Dev Ahuja, accompanied by Dalit Congress leader Tikaram Jully, performed a "purification ritual" using Ganga water at the Ram Temple in Alwar. The act, perceived as casteist, has reignited debates on untouchability and caste discrimination.
Purification Act Triggers Caste Controversy
Ahuja defended his actions by claiming he was “cleansing” the temple of “impure elements,” triggering sharp criticism across political and social spectrums. Dalit leaders, including Tikaram Jully, condemned the act, calling it an insult to their community and religion. Jully stated the move was a targeted affront to Dalits, exposing the BJP’s “real face.”
Protests and Political Fallout
Dalit organizations and Congress leaders took to the streets across Rajasthan—burning effigies and staging protests in Jaipur and Alwar. The BJP responded by suspending Gyan Dev Ahuja and issuing a show-cause notice, citing a breach of the party's anti-discrimination policy. The party also referenced Kameshwar Choupal, a Dalit, who laid the first foundation stone at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
⚠️ BJP’s Dalit Outreach vs. Hindutva Politics
Ahuja’s past includes controversial statements such as defending cow vigilante mobs, inflammatory remarks on Nehru, and allegations against JNU students. Though the BJP overlooked these earlier, the current caste-based row has put the party on damage-control mode, especially with upcoming panchayat and municipal elections in mind.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also weighed in, accusing the BJP of being anti-Dalit, pointing to this as further proof of their discriminatory politics.
The BJP’s challenge now lies in balancing its hardline Hindutva image with outreach to marginalized communities. With Rajasthan’s SC constituencies crucial to electoral success, mishandling such issues could alienate key voter bases. Critics argue that unless anti-discrimination policies are enforced with sincerity, the BJP risks long-term credibility loss.
