Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, has demanded that seats be reserved for Dalits at minority-run institutions like the Aligarh Muslim University and the Jamia Milia Islamia in Delhi and requested all those concerned about Dalit rights make a demand for the same.
Yogi Adityanath argued that if institutions like the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) could provide reservations for Dalits, then so could the AMU and Jamia. At a public meeting in Kannauj, he said, “Ek prashna yeh bhi pucha jana chahiye jo keh rahe hain ki Dalit ka apman ho raha hai… ki akhir Dalit bhaiyon ko Aligarh Muslim University aur Jamia Millia University mein bhi arakshan dene ka labh milna chahiye, is baat ko uthane ka karya kab karenge. (One question should be raised to all those who are saying that Dalits are being humiliated … when would they asked for the reservation for our Dalit brothers in Aligarh Muslim University and Jamia Millia Islamia).”
The Mahant of Gorakhnath Muth also attacked Congress President Rahul Gandhi for his recent temple-run streak. Remarking on the Congress’ claim that Rahul Gandhi is a ‘Janeu-Dhari’ Hindu, he said, “But four generations of his ancestors never wore a janeu (sacred thread). Lekin jab bharat ki vastavik takat ka ehsas Rahul Gandhi ko hota hai to Rahul Gandhi ki mandir yaad ane lagte hain. (When Rahul Gandhi realised the true strength of India, he started remembering temples).”
Yogi Adityanath’s remarks will sting those political leaders like Jignesh Mevani and others who preach ‘Dalit-Muslim unity‘ with the objective of creating a unified vote bank of the two while separating Dalits from the Hindu fold. His remarks intend to expose the fact that despite harping on about Dalit-Muslim unity, Muslim politicians and those who indulge in minority appeasement don’t demand that Muslim institutions make concessions for the betterment of Dalits.
