Upper castes get standard food, Dalits get only ‘Ganji’ at a temple fair in India

A serious allegation has come up that Dalit people were served separate food at a temple fair in Bagalkot district of Karnataka on Gandhi Jayanti. The incident has caused strong anger and debate in the local area. People see it as a case of caste discrimination and untouchability. It happened in Tamadaldi village of Terdal taluk, where the annual fair of the Lakshmi Devi temple was held on October 2.

Mr. Basappa Yaldagal, a Dalit resident of the village, has filed a written complaint at Terdal police station. He says a completely separate eating arrangement was made for Dalit members during the fair. According to the complaint, normal food was arranged for upper caste people. Dalit visitors were made to sit in a separate place and were served only Ganji, a food made from fermented rice. Ganji is a simple rice dish common in many parts of India.

Based on Mr. Yaldagal’s complaint, police filed a case at Terdal police station on October 3. The case names 20 people in total. They include Mr. Sukumar Patil, Mr. Basavaraj Yadawad, Mr. Nandappa Nandappanavar, Mr. Bheemappa Konnur and Mr. Suresh Akkibatti. Such caste discrimination at a public religious gathering has raised deep concern.

Article 17 of the Indian Constitution bans untouchability completely. It abolishes the practice in every form. The Protection of Civil Rights Act of 1955 also provides strict punishment for anyone who tries to force untouchability based discrimination on others.

It is shocking that the incident took place on October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, which is observed as Gandhi Jayanti. Mahatma Gandhi fought against untouchability all his life. He demanded equal rights for everyone in all public places, including temples and schools.

The same allegation has been made before in Tamadaldi village. This repeat has become a cause for worry. Reports say that villagers made a similar complaint of caste discrimination earlier during another religious event called Panchakalyanotsava.