BJP leader sprinkles Gangajal for ‘purifying’ temple after Dalit Congress leader’s temple visit, triggers statewide protests

Former BJP MLA Gyandev Ahuja sparked controversy on Monday by sprinkling Gangajal inside a Ram temple in Ramgarh, Alwar, following a visit by Tikaram Jully, the Dalit Leader of Opposition from the Congress. Jully had attended the Ram Navami consecration ceremony at the temple on Sunday. A video of Ahuja performing the act surfaced the next day, leading to widespread criticism from political leaders.

Ahuja objected to Jully’s presence at the ceremony, calling him “anti-Hindutva” and “anti-Sanatan.” He stated, “He should cut his nose and dip it in a bowl of water,” and added, “I wouldn’t use the word boycott... but I will go there tomorrow and sprinkle Gangajal and pray to Lord Shri Ram, this is my resolve.” On Monday, he went to the temple and said that the consecration event had some “visangati” (error) because “those who challenged the existence of Lord Ram were invited.” He referred to Congress leaders as “sinners and demons” and said, “Mandiron ko apavitra mat karo... I won’t make my mouth dirty or impure by taking their names.”

Tikaram Jully responded by saying that Ahuja’s actions reflected the BJP’s mentality towards Dalits. He said, “Because I am a Dalit, they are talking about washing the temple with Gangajal if I go to the temple. This is not only an attack on my personal faith but also a statement promoting a crime like untouchability.” Jully also questioned whether BJP leaders believed they had exclusive rights to perform religious rituals. “Do only BJP leaders have the right over God?” he asked.

Jully, a three-time MLA from Alwar Rural, was previously Alwar Zila Pramukh from 2005 to 2008. He served in the third Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government and was appointed Minister of State before being promoted to Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment as well as Jails in November 2021. Ahuja, a three-time MLA from Alwar’s Ramgarh with roots in the RSS, was last elected in 2013. In the past, he made controversial remarks about JNU and has supported cow vigilantism.

The Congress party announced protests across all district headquarters on Tuesday. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said Ahuja’s actions “show the ill-will of BJP towards Dalits.” State Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra called the incident “highly condemnable.” BJP state president Madan Rathore and party spokesperson Laxmikant Bhardwaj distanced the party from Ahuja’s actions, stating that the BJP “does not support such acts” and that Ahuja alone was responsible for his remarks.