Recently, Minister Nand Gopal Nandi of Uttar Pradesh dined at a Dalit’s house in Mirzapur, sparking political discourse. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the food, including vegetables and ghee, was brought from outside and cooked on a traditional stove. Furthermore, he pointed out that the Dalit family didn't even have a ration card. Consequently, after Akhilesh’s accusations, the district administration took immediate action.
In no time, the Dalit woman, Ganga Jali Devi, received a gas cylinder. Additionally, her ration card was issued. Authorities also assured her of other governmental benefits. A picture emerged showing Ganga Jali holding the cylinder and the ration card. It's said that Ganga Jali and her family were unable to avail of government facilities due to their external residence.
Political Drama Over Dalit House Dinner
On November 20, Minister Nand Gopal Nandi, alongside BJP MLAs, the district magistrate, and the superintendent of police, dined at a Dalit family's house in Shahpur village. Various dishes were served. Post the meal, the minister handed over INR 21,000 to the Dalit woman.
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When photos of the dinner surfaced, Akhilesh Yadav accused that the vegetables (paneer) and ghee were sourced externally. He argued that the minister was merely staging a photo-op with no real concern for the poor.
Retaliating, Minister Nandi remarked that Akhilesh should refrain from such petty actions. Mocking the hospitality of a poor Dalit is inexcusable. He launched an extended post on Twitter (X) criticizing the SP chief.
On social media, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav wrote, "BJP minister in search of votes, hosting a pretentious meal at a Dalit's home. Vegetables, ghee, etc., brought from outside and photos taken to fake 'Dalit love.' BJP’s minister left behind complaints from that poor family. At the very least, he should have arranged their ration card."
He added, “Let’s give a month’s time to get it done. Otherwise, SP workers will do it, and we promise to post the photo when the ration card is ready.”
It’s notable that following Akhilesh Yadav’s tweet, the district administration promptly provided Ganga Jali Devi a gas cylinder and issued her a ration card. They are now considering arranging additional benefits for her.
What Did the Dalit Family Say About the Whole Matter?
Speaking to 'Aaj Tak,' Ganga Jali Devi revealed that they had prepared the food at home for the minister. Only dal and rice came from the chief’s house, as her child was unwell, so they had asked for help. Minister and others dined at her home. However, she confirmed they lacked a ration card and hadn’t received any government scheme benefits.
Meanwhile, her husband, Uma Shankar, stated that the controversy was unnecessary. Politics should not meddle in this. The minister dined at their home, with meals cooked by them. They had borrowed a gas cylinder from relatives.
Minister Nandi’s Counterattack on Akhilesh
Minister Nand Gopal Nandi posted, "Akhilesh Ji, I advise you to stop indulging in such petty actions. Mocking a poor Dalit’s hospitality is inexcusable. Your perspective shapes your perception. Your credibility is plummeting below Rahul/Pappu’s level every day."
He further wrote, "When the mind is empty and vision distorted, a roti cooked on a clay stove and lovingly made mustard greens are invisible. The affection and warmth with which Ganga Jali Devi served food to MLAs, the district magistrate, and the superintendent of police cannot be fathomed by you. Sitting in an AC room, making frivolous, baseless, and non-serious tweets is your expertise."
The minister didn’t stop there. He continued, "Who can forget in 2012, even before you took the oath, SP workers burnt down several Dalit settlements? Never caring for the poor and Dalits during your tenure, don’t now shed crocodile tears. Everyone knows SP workers only excel at land grabs, hooliganism, and extortion."
