In Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, a controversial protest unfolded as Pankaj Dhawaraiya, president of the Rashtriya Savarna Parishad, performed a symbolic “Pind Daan” ritual in front of a photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Dhawaraiya, who identifies himself as a leader representing the upper-caste community, said the act was carried out in protest against the proposed UGC Bill and alleged non-compliance with Supreme Court directives concerning the SC/ST Act. He claimed that his padyatra had been stopped by the administration 23 days ago, following which he has been staging a sit-in protest at Kanchan Nagar.
On the 23rd day of the agitation, Dhawaraiya and other Parishad office-bearers gathered at the protest site and performed the ritual, raising slogans against the Prime Minister. He alleged that the Prime Minister’s policies were “anti-upper caste” and “anti-Sanatan,” and stated that the protest would continue.
Intelligence agencies are reportedly monitoring activities at the protest site amid heightened political sensitivities.
The incident has sparked debate locally, though no immediate administrative action has been reported.
