Special Correspondent
NewsBits.in
Bhopal: The inexplicable decision of BJP-led government in state to conduct a separate ‘Dalit Snan’ during Simhastha 2016 is likely to boomerang on the party with strong voices rising against the event.
The RSS-supported event, called the ‘Samarasta Snan’ and ‘Shabari Snan’ would be held in the presence of BJP national president Amit Shah on May 11. The event is being held by RSS backed organization Deendayal Vichar Prakashan.
The clear agenda seems to be touching the Dalit vote base as the event comes close on the heels of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rhetoric during 125th birth anniversary of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar in Mhow last month.
However, the symbolism of unity and harmony is not going down well with majority of the saint community who are calling it divisive and unnecessary. Many of them are pointing out that such separate event, being organized for first time in any Kumbha is likely to further draw caste lines deep.
Two shankaracharyas – Swaroopanand Saraswati of Dwarka-Sharda Peeth has termed the event as ‘nautanki’ (drama) of BJP and Swami Adhokshanand of Puri Peeth opposed the idea as divisive. Other seers like Narendra Giri have talked of opposing the event.
Political colour has been given as All India Congress Committee general secretary has called upon the National Scheduled Caste Commission to act against the event. Anand Ambedkar, grandson of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar has called it against the principles of the great leader. BJP’s Nandkumar Chauhan has said though that there is nothing wrong with the idea as it was part of BJP’s agenda.
So while BJP and its mentor RSS might be seeking to woo the dalit vote by the symbolic event, it might as well ricochet in a major way and leave BJP with a deep wound, observers feel.
