BJP President Amit Shah takes holy dip with dalit sadhus in Kshipra river during Kumbh Mela in Ujjain today.
Two days after the controversy over the proposed 'Samrasta Snan' (a dip for social harmony), party chief Amit Shah sidestepped it and took a dip in the Ganga during the Simhastha Kumbh Mela - at a ghat that was open to all instead of just the Dalits.
With Uttar Pradesh heading for assembly polls next year, the proposal of a group, Deendayal Vichar Manch -- that Mr Shah have a Samrasta Snan only with Dalit sadhus -- had come in for scathing criticism. The idea was seen as a part of BJP's plan to connect with Dalits, who form a chunk of the state's votebank.
It drew criticism not only from the Congress party but religious leaders and even Prabhakar Kelkar, the senior leader of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the ideological mentor of the BJP. The RSS is currently organising a series of functions to draw Dalits and tribals into its fold in the wake of a backlash caused by its chief Mohan Bhagwat's last year's statement, calling for review of the reservation policy.
BJP President Amit Shah taking bath in Kshipra River with dalit sadhus during Simhastha Mahakumbh Mela in Ujjain today.
Mr Shah, who spoke at the event after felicitating the sadhus, made sure that the controversy did not escalate. "Today is an auspicious day and its with dip in Kshipra river, I taken a dip in all four kumbhs," he said. "I'm glad to get the blessings of all religious gurus and also their company."
Sources in the BJP said following the controversy, the party decided to invite non-Dalit religious leaders to the event.
"It is all politics," Dalit devotee Narayan told NDTV. "This is an attempt to divide the society and it may become a tradition that Dalits will bathe at selected ghats, which is not the case right now."
Another Dalit devotee, Madan Lal said, "I don't see any politics. It is a good move to unite people from all communities."