‘My people still not allowed to enter temples’: Mallikarjun Kharge

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has criticized the BJP government, alleging discrimination against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the country.

He accused the government of “humiliating” President Droupadi Murmu and her predecessor Ram Nath Kovind because of their SC/ST background. Kharge pointed out instances where Murmu was not invited to events like the Ram Temple consecration in Ayodhya and the inauguration of the new Parliament building, while Kovind was not allowed to lay the foundation stone of the new Parliament building.

In an event hosted by The Indian Express, Kharge said, “My people are still not allowed today in all the temples. Leave Ram Mandir, anywhere you go, there is a fight for entry… small temples in a village, they don’t allow. You don’t allow drinking water, you don’t allow educational institutions, you don’t tolerate even a bridegroom who goes in a procession on a horse… people pull them and beat them. Keeping a moustache… tell them to clean it. So you expect me… If I go, would they have tolerated it.”

Mallikarjun Kharge emphasised that discrimination against SCs and STs still persists in India, highlighting issues such as denial of entry to temples and other public places. He criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political motives behind participating in religious events like the Ram Temple consecration, suggesting it was more for political gain than genuine religious sentiment.

Referring to Modi’s campaign pitch of “400 paar” (winning over 400 seats), Mallikarjun Kharge dismissed it as exaggerated and expressed confidence that the BJP’s dream of a third term in power would not come true. He highlighted growing discontent among the people and claimed that the BJP was resorting to desperate measures to maintain its hold on power.

Mallikarjun Kharge raised concerns about BJP leaders openly discussing changes to the Constitution, which he viewed as a threat to democracy and the rights of marginalized communities. He criticized Modi for not taking action against such statements and warned against any attempts to undermine the Constitution.