Savitri Bai Phule, the MP for Bahraich in Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday resigned from the BJP, alleging the party was creating divisions in society. Phule reportedly claimed her views were being ignored in the BJP as she was a dalit and alleged there was a “conspiracy” against dalits.
Phule had in recent months been increasingly critical of the BJP. On December 4, Phule responded to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's statement on Hanuman being a dalit. Phule claimed, “Lord Hanuman was a dalit and a slave of 'manuwadi' people, who had to face humiliation for being a dalit.”
Phule also targeted Adityanath and other BJP leaders for eating at dalit homes as a means to garner votes only. “If he (Yogi Adityanath) really loves dalits, then he should love them more than he loves Lord Hanuman. Has he ever embraced any dalit?” she asked.
Phule had also criticised BJP leaders who have been raising demands for building a Ram temple in Ayodhya, claiming the party had no other issues. "The country does not need a temple. Will it end unemployment and other problems of dalits and backwards? The temple will benefit Brahmins, who are only 3 per cent,” Phule had claimed.
In May, Phule had referred to Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, as a “mahapurush” who had contributed to India's independence. Phule's comments came even as BJP leaders were demanding Aligarh Muslim University remove a portrait of Jinnah; the demands had sparked violent protests.
In April, Phule held a rally in Lucknow, demanding there be no changes in the Constitution or reservation policy. The rally saw heavy criticism of the BJP.
