BJP MLA Jai Devi Kaushal alleges caste discrimination at Uttar Pradesh temple event

BJP MLA Jai Devi Kaushal alleges caste discrimination at Uttar Pradesh temple event The MLA pressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to take notice of the incident.

Key points

• The MLA pressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to take notice of the incident.
• The BJP MLA had secured funds-₹78 lakh for the renovation of the Sheetla Temple in Kakori and other planned construction works, and ₹70 lakh for another temple.
• Congress alleged such incident is part of a broader pattern where feudal individuals backed by the administration promotes untouchability.

Notably, 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.

In practice, the MLA pressed 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 administration has sanctioned approximately Rs 78 lakh for the rejuvenation of the temple.

"The BJP MLA had secured funds-₹78 lakh for the renovation of the Sheetla Temple in Kakori and other planned construction works, and ₹70 lakh for another temple. Foundation stone laying and Bhoomi Pujan ceremonies were scheduled at both locations; nevertheless, the MLA was not allowed to take her seat during the Bhoomi Pujan at the Kakori Sheetla Temple. Certain individuals had occupied the space-the particularly same residents involved in a previous incident there. It had led to a legal case and subsequent action, were present and prevented the ritual from taking place. Snubbing an elected representative. It appears to be a case of old resentment or caste-based animosity; what happened is a condemnable incident. I will speak to the party high command regarding this and additionally write to senior party leaders. I will additionally apprise the Chief Minister of the matter." stated Kaushal Kishore, Former Union Minister of State and husband of the MLA.

"Since the time of Mahatma Gandhi, the country fought a lot to end discrimination and untouchability, progress was made in the later half of the 20th century, but as the BJP reached power in Uttar Pradesh, such incidents became common, it started with the CM house being cleaned with Ganga Jal in 2017, the feudal people are indulging in discrimation and are being patronised by the BJP government, " remarked Ajay Kumar 'Lallu', a senior U.P. Congress leader.

In short, BJP MLA Jai Devi Kaushal alleges caste discrimination at Uttar Pradesh temple is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.