Lucknow: BJP MLA from Malihabad in Uttar Pradesh, Jai Devi Kaushal, has alleged that she faced caste-based discrimination at a bhoomi pujan ceremony held before the renovation of the Sheetla Temple in Kakori.
Kaushal, who belongs to the Pasi community recognised as a Scheduled Caste, said she was not allowed to touch even a flower or take part in the land-worship ritual because of her caste.
The incident took place on Wednesday at the temple, for which the Uttar Pradesh government has sanctioned around Rs 78 lakh for renovation work.
“They did not allow me to touch even a flower or be part of the bhoomi pujan because I am from the Pasi community,” Kaushal was quoted as saying.
She said that when she arrived at the temple to lay the foundation stone, the priest had already begun the ritual and neither she nor her team was invited to join the ceremony.
Kaushal claimed she had approached government offices over the temple’s condition and played a role in securing funds for its renovation. She has now urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to take note of the incident.
“We have fought a long battle against caste discrimination,” she said. “And it still happened with me. We will address this in front of every minister.”
The Hindu Jan Seva Samiti, a group involved in temple welfare activities in the area, denied the allegations. Prajwal Gupta, president of the group, told The Print that organisers had asked Kaushal to break a coconut as part of the ritual and had arranged garlands to honour her, “but she declined them and left”.
Kaushal’s husband, Mohan Lal Kaushal, said the temple had been at the centre of a caste-related controversy in 2025 as well, when a man from the Pasi community was allegedly accused of “defiling” the premises.
He said they had complained about that incident and a case was filed. “Now, people are taking revenge on us by preventing the MLA from participating in the bhoomi pujan and insulting her,” he added.