Dalits block BJP MP from entering Karnataka village that supplied stone for Ram idol

Mysuru: On the eve of the historic Ram Temple inauguration in Ayodhya, BJP MP Pratap Simha faced furious protests from Dalits in a Karnataka village that supplied stone for the idol.

Accused of years of neglect and past derogatory remarks, Simha was blocked from entering the village and engaged in a tense confrontation with villagers.

In a major embarrassment to #BJP MP Pratap Simha, villagers stopped him from participating in the #Pooja in #Karnataka’s Mysuru, claiming he is anti dalit and that he never visited this village before. This is where the rock was sourced for the statue of #LordRam. pic.twitter.com/sRok8v9Gdf
— Pratiba Raman (@PratibaRaman) January 22, 2024

Simha, a two-time MP from the area, found himself confronted by an angry mob, some shouting and others physically restrained.

One protester, particularly vocal, argued, "You haven't done anything. We did everything. We respect Lord Ram too. Please get out!"

The heated exchange lasted several minutes, ultimately forcing Simha to retreat as tempers flared.