BJP MLA Jai Devi Kaushal alleges caste discrimination at Uttar Pradesh temple event
BJP MLA Jai Devi Kaushal has alleged caste-based discrimination after being prevented from taking her seat during a temple restoration ceremony in Uttar Pradesh. Her husband, former minister Kaushal Kishore, has vowed to raise the issue with party leadership, while opposition parties claim the incident highlights a broader pattern of feudal discrimination.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the persistence of caste-based social hierarchies and political friction within the ruling party's internal dynamics in India.
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.
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