Jagadguru Rambhadracharya on Tuesday triggered controversy after calling for the repeal of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, claiming that the Vedas do not classify people as “Avarnas” or “Savarnas”.
Speaking to IANS, he said, “The SC/ST Act should be repealed. The Vedas do not mention Avarnas or Savarnas; these political leaders have initiated this system… I would say that there should be no reservation based on caste.”
The SC/ST (PoA) Act, enacted in 1989, is one of India’s strongest civil rights legislations, aimed at preventing atrocities against Dalit and Adivasi communities. It provides for special courts, strict punishments, and relief and rehabilitation mechanisms for survivors of caste-based violence.
Rambhadracharya’s remarks come at a politically sensitive time in Uttar Pradesh, where Assembly elections are due in 2027. Expressing confidence in the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, he said, “Yes, it will win again.”
Commenting on the NDA’s victory in the Bihar Assembly elections, he added, “The people of Bihar have risen above caste politics. Now they understand what needs to be done and by whom.”
He also took aim at Opposition leaders including Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav for not visiting the newly built Ram Temple. “It is unfortunate for those who did not go for the darshan, and fortunate for Prime Minister Modi,” he said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a massive welcome in Ayodhya on Tuesday during the historic Dhwajarohan Utsav, the ceremonial flag-hoisting at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath received him at the Saket College helipad before a grand roadshow to the temple.
Thousands lined the streets waving the Tricolour, BJP flags, and saffron flags bearing symbols of Lord Ram, as chants of “Jai Shree Ram” and “Modi-Modi” filled the air. Flower petals were showered on the Prime Minister’s convoy amid high religious fervour.
