Kochi, 01 April (H.S.):Dr. T.N. Sarasu, who contested as the NDA candidate from Alathur in the previous Lok Sabha elections, has levelled serious allegations of caste discrimination within the BJP, stating that her experience in the party was marked by exclusion and bias against Dalit members.

Addressing a press conference organised by the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha, Sarasu claimed that she was deliberately sidelined by the party leadership during the ongoing Assembly election campaign. Despite expressing her willingness to participate in campaign activities in key constituencies such as Guruvayur and Kodungallur, she was allegedly denied the opportunity.

Sarasu clarified that she does not hold any grievance over not being considered as a candidate in the Assembly elections. However, she expressed deep disappointment over what she described as systemic neglect of Dalit leaders within the party. “The discrimination faced by Dalits in the party is deeply painful,” she said, adding that her caste identity became a barrier to her political engagement.

Reflecting on her political journey, Sarasu said she had dedicated eight years to the party without seeking positions or personal gain. She further alleged that her proximity to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who she said treated her with respect, had irked sections of the state BJP leadership.

Sarasu also recalled a controversial incident from April 2016, the day she retired as Principal of Victoria College, Palakkad, when a mock grave with a wreath was reportedly placed in front of the college. She had then accused the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) of being behind the act, though the organisation denied the allegation.

Initially identifying with Left politics, Sarasu joined the BJP in 2019, marking a significant shift in her political alignment. Her latest remarks are expected to stir debate within political circles in Kerala ahead of the Assembly elections.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman