Ex-minister calls for united front against govt’s exclusion of Dalit scriptures in sacrilege Bill

Former Union minister Som Parkash has called upon all like-minded political parties, social organisations and community leaders to unite in opposing to the government’s proposed “Religious Places and Scriptures (Prevention of Desecration) Bill, 2025,” which, he alleges, omits sacred texts and religious symbols of Dalit communities.

In a strong-worded statement issued on Friday, Parkash accused the AAP-led state government of attempting to marginalise the religious identity of millions of Dalits by excluding revered figures and scriptures such as the Amritbani Guru Ravidas ji, idols of Guru Ravidas ji, Bhagwan Valmiki ji, Sant Kabir ji, and Sant Nabhadas ji from the legal protection proposed under the new Bill.

“This is not an accidental oversight — it is a calculated move that exposes the anti-Dalit mindset of the government,” said Parkash. “The legislation, as it stands, reflects systemic bias and discrimination against Dalit religious traditions and their followers,” he said.

Taking direct aim at AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Parkash said the party has failed to live up to its electoral promises made to Dalit communities. He reminded the public that AAP had pledged to appoint a Dalit Deputy Chief Minister, if voted to power, a commitment that remains unfulfilled more than three years into the government’s tenure. He further pointed to the party’s promise of forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe atrocities and false cases against the Dalits, which, according to him, has seen no progress.

Parkash also criticised the silence of Dalit MLAs and ministers within the ruling party, saying their inaction amounts to a betrayal of their communities. “Those who were elected to give voice to the concerns of Valmiki, Ravidasia, Kabirpanthi and Mahasha communities have chosen the comfort of power over the duty of representation,” he said.

Calling the exclusion of Dalit scriptures from the Bill a matter of grave concern, the BJP leader warned that if the government fails to amend the legislation to include Dalit religious icons and texts, the party will launch a statewide agitation.

“We will take to the streets in peaceful protest. If unrest follows, the responsibility will lie squarely with the government and its discriminatory policies,” he declared.

Jalandhar