Rajasthan LoP visits Ram Temple; BJP leader sprinkles Gangajal, sparks outrage

IANS April 7, 2025 293 views

A significant political controversy has erupted in Rajasthan after BJP leader Gyandev Ahuja reportedly sprinkled Gangajal to "purify" the temple following Dalit Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully's visit. Jully strongly criticized the act as a direct manifestation of caste-based discrimination, calling it an attack on his personal faith and a promotion of untouchability. Congress leaders, including Ashok Gehlot and Govind Singh Dotasra, condemned the incident as reflective of the BJP's deep-rooted hatred towards Dalits. The incident has sparked a heated debate about caste discrimination and religious access in contemporary Indian society.

"Does the BJP hate Dalits so much that it cannot tolerate us offering prayers?" - Tika Ram Jully
Jaipur, April 7: A fresh political controversy erupted in Rajasthan on Monday following the visit of Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully to the Ram Mandir on the occasion of Ram Navami.

Key Points

1

Gyandev Ahuja sprinkles holy water after Dalit leader's temple visit

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Congress leaders condemn act as promoting untouchability

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Political tension escalates in Rajasthan over religious discrimination

However, BJP leader and former MLA Gyandev Ahuja reportedly sprinkled Gangajal (holy water) at the temple after Jully’s visit, triggering a sharp response from Congress leaders and intensifying the political atmosphere in the state. Reacting to Ahuja’s act, the Congress leader said the incident reflected the BJP’s mindset towards Dalits.

“I raised the voice of Dalits in the Assembly and called for a campaign against untouchability. But the BJP’s mentality is such that when I visit a temple, they talk about purifying it with Gangajal because I am a Dalit,” Jully wrote on social media. “This is not just an attack on my personal faith, but a statement promoting the crime of untouchability,” he said.

Rajasthan LoP further questioned the BJP’s stance, asking: “Does the BJP hate Dalits so much that it cannot tolerate us offering prayers? Do BJP leaders alone have the right to worship God? The Chief Minister and BJP state chief must clarify whether they endorse such acts of so-called purification when Dalits enter temples.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Congress state chief Govind Singh Dotasra said, “The heart of the BJP is filled with hatred, ill-will, and jealousy towards Dalits.”

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also condemned the incident, calling it a “disgusting act” and demanding accountability. “This narrow-mindedness is unacceptable in a civilised society in the 21st century. The BJP leadership must clarify whether they stand by Gyandev Ahuja’s behaviour. Will they take action against him?” Gehlot questioned.

Gyandev Ahuja, however, defended his actions with another controversial statement targeting Jully. “Tikaram Jully, who is against Sanatan and Hindutva, visited Karni Mata on Sunday and came to Ram Mandir. He should be ashamed. I will go to the place where he visited and fulfill my vow to wash it with Gangajal,” Ahuja reportedly said.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is truly disappointing behavior from a public figure. Everyone has equal rights to visit temples regardless of caste. The BJP should distance themselves from such regressive actions. 🙏
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Priya M.
While I support the Ram Temple movement, this kind of caste discrimination has no place in Hinduism. We need to focus on uniting people, not dividing them further.
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Amit S.
The media is blowing this out of proportion. Gangajal is used for purification in many Hindu rituals. Maybe the timing was unfortunate but let's not jump to conclusions about caste discrimination.
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Sunita R.
As a practicing Hindu, this makes me so angry! How can we claim to be a progressive society when such medieval practices continue? Shame on Ahuja for this stunt. 😡
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Vikram J.
Respectful criticism: While I agree the act was inappropriate, the Congress is equally guilty of politicizing religious spaces. Both parties need to stop using temples as political battlegrounds.
N
Neha P.
This incident shows how far we still have to go in eliminating caste prejudice. Instead of debating who's right, we should focus on educating people about equality in places of worship.

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

Tags:
Rajasthan Politics Ram Temple Dalit Rights Tika Ram Jully BJP Controversy Gyandev Ahuja Untouchability
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