BJP leader 'purifies' temple after Dalit Congress leader’s visit; suspended from party

A major political storm has erupted in Rajasthan after BJP leader Gyan Dev Ahuja performed a “purification” ritual using Ganga water at a Ram temple in Alwar after a Dalit Congress leader visited the temple. The act came a day after Tikaram Jully, a Dalit Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly, attended the temple’s consecration ceremony on Ram Navami.

The BJP has reportedly suspended Gyan Dev Ahuja from the party's membership and issued a show-cause notice to him, saying the party's image was tainted by his act and words.

Ahuja’s act of sprinkling Gangajal, which he claimed was to correct “discrepancies” in the ceremony, has been widely condemned as casteist and regressive.

Also Read: Chikkamagaluru villagers close temples for ‘purification’ after furore over Dalit’s entry

Justification by Ahuja

Ahuja defended his actions, arguing that Congress leaders like Jully have no moral right to participate in such rituals.

He cited past instances where the Congress questioned the existence of Lord Ram and boycotted the Ayodhya consecration, asserting this as the reason for his objection.

He referred to the invited Congress leaders as “sinners and demons”.

“Why Gangajal? Because some impure people came,” he said, without directly naming Jully but implying impurity due to his identity and party affiliation.

Jully responds

Jully, a three-time MLA, termed the incident a reflection of BJP’s deep-seated prejudice against Dalits.

He said the act was not just an attack on his personal faith but an attempt to promote untouchability - a criminal and unconstitutional practice.

“Does the BJP hate Dalits so much that they can’t tolerate us praying in temples?” he asked, demanding a clarification from Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma and BJP state president Madan Rathore.

Also Read: From villages to cities, why untouchability continues to hold Gujarat firmly in its grip

Widespread condemnation

Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and other Congress leaders lashed out at Ahuja, calling the act discriminatory and unfit for a civilised society.

The Congress announced state-wide protests, accusing the BJP of endorsing casteist behaviour.

The BJP, however, distanced itself from the incident, with party spokespersons stating that the act reflected Ahuja’s personal views and not the party’s ideology.

Ahuja's past remarks

Ahuja, the former MLA from Alwar’s Ramgarh, has repeatedly sparked outrage with his incendiary remarks.

He once said, “If Muslims pick up one Hindu girl, we will pick up five Muslim girls,” and drew further criticism for his infamous comment about “condoms found in JNU".

Ahuja has openly supported cow vigilantism, calling cow slaughter worse than terrorism and endorsing mob action against alleged offenders.

Caste and politics

This controversy highlights the enduring caste tensions in Indian politics.

With Dalits forming a significant vote base in Rajasthan, the fallout from this incident could influence future political alignments and electoral strategies.

Also Read: Kerala untouchability row | Rituals ‘misunderstood’, no discrimination in temples: priests’ body