CM Yogi Slapped with Legal Notice for Calling Hanuman ‘Dalit’

“Hanuman was a forest dweller, deprived and a Dalit,” Yogi said during a poll rally.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

(Photo: Altered by The Quint)

A right-wing group in Rajasthan has sent a legal notice to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, asking him to apologise within three days for allegedly calling Lord Hanuman a Dalit.

During a poll rally in Malakheda of Alwar district on Tuesday, 27 November, Adityanath had said, "Hanuman was a forest dweller, deprived and a Dalit. Bajrang Bali worked to connect all Indian communities together, from north to south and east to west.”

"This was his resolve as it was Lord Ram's wish. Just like him, we should also not rest till we fulfill that wish," he added.

He also said that the people of the district would vote for “Ram bhakts” and not “Ravana.”

Rajasthan Sarv Brahmin Mahasabha President Suresh Mishra has now sent a notice to Adityanath, accusing him of dragging Lord Hanuman's caste for BJP’s political gains in Rajasthan, where state Assembly elections will be held on 7 December.

The notice reads, "I am saddened that UP chief minister called Lord Hanuman deprived. His statement has hurt religious sentiments of several devotees. Those who are deprived, they get strength to fight the odds. It is a sheer attempt to take political mileage in election (sic)."

Adityanath's comments triggered a political row, prompting the Congress to blame the BJP for its "dual face."  Congress leader Pramod Tiwari condemned Adityanath's remarks and said that the BJP divides individuals and the society, but it is the first time that it has divided gods into castes.

Speaking to India Today, TMC leader Madan Mitra said the day is not far when BJP will say that Ram was a Dalit.

The UP chief minister has been on a series of rallies in Rajasthan to campaign for the BJP and its nominees for the upcoming Assembly elections.

(With inputs from India Today)