BJP Leader Claims Temple Purification Protested Congress
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Synopsis
Suspended BJP leader Gyandev Ahuja responds to party's notice regarding temple purification in Alwar, Rajasthan, asserting his protest was against Congress, not Dalits. His firm stance poses challenges for BJP amid accusations from Congress framing it as caste-based insult.
Key Takeaways
- Gyandev Ahuja's response to BJP show-cause notice.
- Protest against Congress, not Dalit community.
- Ahuja's firm denial of wrongdoing.
- Controversy arose after temple visit by Tika Ram Jully.
- Congress accuses BJP of caste-based insult.
Jaipur, April 11 (NationPress) Suspended BJP leader Gyandev Ahuja has submitted his response to the party’s show-cause notice regarding the controversial 'purification' of a temple in Alwar, Rajasthan, using Gangajal after a visit by Congress leader Tika Ram Jully, asserting that he was protesting against the party.
Ahuja made it clear in his response that he has never expressed regret for his actions in the past and has no plans to do so in the future.
His steadfast position could potentially place the BJP in a challenging situation, particularly as the Congress has intensified the issue by framing it as an affront to the Dalit community.
In his written communication to the Rajasthan BJP unit, Ahuja indicated that his objection was aimed at the visit by Congress leaders, not against the Dalit community. “I have never insulted Dalits, nor can I even fathom doing so,” he wrote, portraying himself as a pro-Dalit leader who has served three terms as MLA from Alwar and consistently advocated for Dalit rights.
Ahuja noted that his opposition to Tika Ram Jully was rooted in political opposition, rather than caste bias. “Jully is a Congress leader. My protest was political, not personal or based on caste,” he clarified.
Reasserting his position, Ahuja stated, “I have not committed any error, hence the question of an apology does not arise. Apologizing is not part of my culture.”
He maintained that the use of Gangajal was merely symbolic and intended as a political statement, not an indication of caste or religious discrimination.
Meanwhile, the BJP's state organization general secretary, Damodar Agarwal, confirmed that the party has received Ahuja's response and forwarded it to Rajasthan BJP President Madan Rathore, who will make the final determination.
The controversy emerged on Ram Navami when Tika Ram Jully, Leader of Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly, visited a temple in Alwar. Following his visit, Ahuja was seen conducting a purification ritual using Gangajal, an act that sparked widespread criticism and resulted in his suspension from the BJP’s primary membership.
The party demanded a reply within three days after the incident's video gained traction.
The Congress party has capitalized on the incident, framing it as a caste-based insult. During its national convention in Ahmedabad, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condemned Ahuja's actions, describing them as reflective of “Manuvadi thinking” and accusing the BJP of promoting such regressive ideologies.
