If Hanuman is Dalit, show his 'caste-certificate', demands Shivpal Yadav
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath recently sparked a controversy by calling Lord Hanuman a Dalit, which was followed by a widespread debate. Reacting to it, in an interesting note, Shivpal Yadav's Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (Lohia) (PSPL) yesterday demanded Hanuman's "caste certificate" from Varanasi district administration. Ex-UP CM Mulayam Singh's brother, Shivpal threatened to launch a sit-in if the certificate isn't provided within a week.
Maharaja Kesari named Lord Hanuman's father, Anjana Devi as mother
The PSPL has formally submitted a proforma to the administration seeking the deity's caste certificate. A photograph of Lord Hanuman has also been affixed to the proforma. Maharaja Kesari has been listed as his father and Anjana Devi, his mother. The famous Sankat Mochan temple in Varanasi has been listed as the Hindu deity's residence and Dalit has been mentioned in the caste column.
Hanuman's age? 'Amar' and year of birth is 'Anant'
Lord Hanuman's age was mentioned as Amar (immortal) and the year of birth was Anant (infinite). PSPL youth wing district, Harish Mehta, said, "As the CM has termed him as a Dalit and dragged the deity in petty caste politics, we want his caste certificate."
Adityanath dubbed Lord Hanuman as 'forest dweller, deprived and Dalit'
Adityanath, during an election rally in Malakheda of Rajasthan's Alwar district, had said, "Lord 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." His statement had stirred controversy and debate across the nation with the opposition accusing the BJP of indulging in caste politics.
BJP MP quit saying party ignored her because she's Dalit
Interestingly, BJP MP from UP's Bahraich, Savitribai Phule, had quit the party on Thursday saying she was ignored in the party because she is a Dalit. She submitted her resignation on the death anniversary of Dalit icon BR Ambedkar and accused the BJP of dividing the society. She also claimed there was a larger conspiracy at play against Dalits and lower caste people.
Phule echoes Yogi; says Hanuman was Dalit, so faced humiliation
Like Yogi, Phule also maintained Hanuman was a Dalit and that's why he faced humiliation in his life, despite doing everything for Lord Ram. "Lord Hanuman was a slave of 'manuwadi' people... He did all for Lord Ram... why was he made a monkey? At that time also he faced humiliation for being a Dalit. Why can't we Dalits be considered humans," she asked.
