Rahul Gandhi Critiques BJP for Conduct in Ram Mandir Following Dalit Visit
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Synopsis
Rahul Gandhi has criticized the BJP for its actions after a Dalit leader's visit to Ram Mandir, highlighting the discriminatory treatment towards Dalits within the Hindu faith, and urging reforms in the party's mindset.
Key Takeaways
- Rahul Gandhi condemns BJP for discriminatory practices.
- Dalit rights and dignity are at the forefront of his message.
- Calls for accountability from Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah.
- The incident raises concerns about caste discrimination in Hindu temples.
- Congress leaders unite against BJP’s treatment of Dalits.
Jaipur, April 9 (NationPress) Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, criticized the BJP after its member Gyandev Ahuja sprinkled Gangajal in Ram Mandir following the visit of Rajasthan LoP Tika Ram Jully to the temple.
“A Dalit individual is not allowed to enter a temple. And if he does, the temple is cleansed. This is not our religion. We identify as Hindus, yet our faith honors every human being. What the BJP exhibits is not religion but discrimination rooted in the hearts of their leaders,” stated LoP Rahul Gandhi during the ‘Nyaypath’ session of All India Congress in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
He remarked that Tika Ram Jully is a Dalit and the Leader of Opposition in Rajasthan, highlighting that after his visit to the Ram Temple, BJP leaders cleansed and purified it.
“They claim to be Hindus. Such behavior is an affront not just to Dalits but to the very principles that Hinduism embodies,” he added.
LoP Rahul Gandhi also shared a video on X. “This is yet another illustration of the BJP’s anti-Dalit and Manuwadi ideology. The BJP has been perpetually humiliating Dalits and assaulting the Constitution,” he remarked.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also weighed in, lending additional support to the party’s position.
“A Dalit individual, who also serves as the Leader of the Opposition, visited a temple. And following his visit, the temple was ‘purified’ with Gangajal. This is disgraceful. We Dalits, along with the backward communities, are also integral to Hindu society. How can such degradation be accepted?” queried Kharge.
The Congress President directly called out Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
“If this is the treatment meted out to a senior politician, consider the condition of Dalit Hindus in rural areas. Modi ji, initiate reform in your own party - change this mindset. Shah ji, you oversee the Home Ministry. Act and halt these injustices,” urged Kharge.
The official Congress account on X echoed this sentiment, explicitly targeting Gyandev Ahuja and the BJP.
On Monday, Rajasthan’s Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully visited the Ram Mandir to celebrate Ram Navami. However, BJP leader and former MLA Gyandev Ahuja sprinkled Gangajal (holy water) at the temple post-Julll’s visit, prompting a strong backlash from Congress.
Rajasthan LoP criticized the BJP, questioning: “Does the BJP despise Dalits to the extent that it cannot bear our prayers? Do only BJP leaders have the privilege to worship God? The Chief Minister and BJP state president must clarify if they support such acts of purported purification when Dalits enter temples.”
Echoing similar views, Congress state chief Govind Singh Dotasra stated, “The heart of the BJP is filled with animosity, resentment, and jealousy towards Dalits.
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also denounced the incident, labeling it a “repugnant act” and demanding accountability.
Gyandev Ahuja defended his actions with another controversial remark directed at Jully.
“Tikaram Jully, who opposes Sanatan and Hindutva, visited Karni Mata on Sunday and came to Ram Mandir. He should feel ashamed. I will visit the site he went to and fulfill my vow to cleanse it with Gangajal,” Ahuja reportedly stated.
