'Ganga Jal' sprinkling row: Rajasthan LoP Jully emphasises on tolerance, unity

IANS April 13, 2025 187 views

A significant religious tension emerged in Rajasthan when a BJP leader sprinkled 'Ganga Jal' to "purify" a temple after a Dalit leader's visit. Opposition Leader Tika Ram Jully responded by strongly advocating for religious tolerance and unity, drawing parallels with Mahatma Gandhi's principles. The incident highlighted ongoing social dynamics within Indian political discourse. Ultimately, the BJP suspended the controversial leader, demonstrating an attempt to manage the potentially divisive situation.

"Love and respect for every faith is not merely an ideal but the essence of Indian civilization" - Tika Ram Jully
Jaipur, April 12: Leader of Opposition in Rajasthan Assembly, Tika Ram Jully, on Saturday was warmly welcomed by people from various communities at his office in Moti Dungri, Alwar, during his visit following the recent 'Ganga Jal' sprinkling controversy.

Key Points

1

Jully promotes communal harmony despite controversial Ganga Jal incident

2

BJP suspends Gyandev Ahuja for temple purification act

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Diverse communities rally behind message of brotherhood

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Emphasizes Gandhian principles of tolerance and respect

Addressing the gathering, Jully reaffirmed his commitment to the path of religious harmony and unity as shown by Mahatma Gandhi.

He stated that tolerance is a key part of India's cultural and spiritual heritage, but warned that some elements are attempting to disrupt it by inciting religious sentiments and fostering political polarisation.

Amid chants of Jai Siyaram and Jai Bajrangbali, Jully stressed the importance of maintaining an equal and respectful attitude toward all religions. He said that love and respect for every faith is not merely an ideal but the essence of Indian civilization, and every religion ultimately teaches peace, unity, and brotherhood.

Jully further emphasised that the core objective of all religions is to uphold humanity and foster compassion among people.

As a gesture of communal harmony, members from diverse communities came together to present him with an image bearing the message Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian – Hum Sab Hain Bhai Bhai (We are all brothers).

A row erupted on Monday after BJP leader and former MLA Gyandev Ahuja sprinkled Gangajal in a temple to “purify” it following a visit by Rajasthan’s Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully, a Dalit member.

On the occasion of Ram Navami on Sunday, Jully had gone for the consecration ceremony of a Ram temple in Alwar’s Apna Ghar Shalimar. Ahuja expressed his “strong objection” to Jully’s visit, saying that Jully is “anti-Hindutva” and “anti-Sanatan”.

Ahuja, a former MLA from Alwar’s Ramgarh, went to the temple on Monday and sprinkled Gangajal.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, suspended him from party and issued him a show cause notice.

Ahuja has sent his reply to party leaders.

Reader Comments

P
Priya M.
This is the kind of leadership we need more of in India! Jully's message of unity is so refreshing amidst all the division we see these days. 🙏 More power to him!
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Rajesh K.
While I appreciate the sentiment, I wish political leaders would focus more on actual policies that promote equality rather than just symbolic gestures. The sprinkling incident was unfortunate, but real change requires more than speeches.
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Ayesha F.
As a Muslim woman, it's heartening to see leaders standing up for what's right. The "Hum Sab Hain Bhai Bhai" message brought tears to my eyes. This is the India I know and love!
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Sunil P.
The BJP did the right thing by suspending Ahuja. Such behavior has no place in modern India. We need to move beyond these outdated notions of purity and pollution.
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Meera D.
Beautiful message! 👏 Religion should bring people together, not divide them. Jully's reference to Gandhi's teachings is especially meaningful in today's context.
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Vikram S.
I'm glad this incident is getting attention. The sprinkling was clearly an act of discrimination, and it's good to see leaders from all communities standing against it.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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Tags:
Tika Ram Jully Religious Harmony Rajasthan Politics Ganga Jal Controversy BJP Communal Unity
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