BJP MLA Jai Devi Kaushal alleges caste discrimination at Uttar Pradesh temple event

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Malihabad constituency, Jai Devi Kaushal, hailing from Pasi community, on Thursday (August 19, 2026) alleged caste based discrimination during the restoration and bhoomi pujan ceremony of the Sheetla Mata temple in Kakori, Malihabad, Uttar Pradesh, adding she was not allowed to take her seat during the Bhoomi Pujan at the Kakori Sheetla Temple.The MLA urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to take notice of the incident. The episode reportedly took place during a bhoomi pujan ceremony organised ahead of the temple’s renovation Wednesday. The Uttar Pradesh government has sanctioned approximately Rs 78 lakh for the rejuvenation of the temple.“The BJP MLA had secured funds—₹78 lakh for the renovation of the Sheetla Temple in Kakori and other planned construction works, and ₹70 lakh for another temple. Foundation stone laying and Bhoomi Pujan ceremonies were scheduled at both locations; however, the MLA was not allowed to take her seat during the Bhoomi Pujan at the Kakori Sheetla Temple. Certain individuals had occupied the space—the very same people involved in a previous incident there, which had led to a legal case and subsequent action, were present and prevented the ritual from taking place. Snubbing an elected representative... it appears to be a case of old resentment or caste-based animosity; what happened is a condemnable incident... I will speak to the party high command about this and also write to senior party leaders. I will also apprise the Chief Minister of the matter...” said Kaushal Kishore, Former Union Minister of State and husband of the MLA.Congress alleged such incident is part of a broader pattern where feudal people supported by the government promotes untouchability.“Since the time of Mahatma Gandhi, the country fought a lot to end discrimination and untouchability, progress was made in the later half of the 20th century, but as the BJP reached power in Uttar Pradesh, such incidents became common, it started with the CM house being cleaned with Ganga Jal in 2017, the feudal people are indulging in discrimation and are being patronised by the BJP government,” said Ajay Kumar ‘Lallu’, a senior U.P. Congress leader. Published - August 21, 2026 06:55 am IST