BJP in hot water? 'Pandit' option in UP police recruitment exam triggers controversy

According to the reports, in the Hindi language section of the paper, the candidates were asked to choose one of the options from among four to define a person, who changed according to the opportunity.

Lucknow: A question appearing in the Uttar Pradesh Sub-Inspector Recruitment Exam has stirred a controversy which has led to a public outcry especially from ‘brahmin’ leadera claiming it had hurt the sentiment of the community.

According to the reports, in the Hindi language section of the paper, the candidates were asked to choose one of the options from among four to define a person who changes according to the opportunity.

The options included ‘avsarvadi (opportunist), sadachari (virtuous), nirdosh (innocent)’ and ‘pandit’ (a traditional scholar or a priest, also used for Brahmins).

Brahmin BJP leaders strongly objected to the inclusion of ‘pandit’ as one of the options saying that it was ‘insensitive’ and portrayed the community in a poor light.

This controversy comes on the heels of BJP already battling the perceived resentment in the Brahmin community arising out of the alleged use of force against ‘brahmin batuks’—celibate Hindu children receiving vedic education at gurukulas—and all disciples of Avimukteshwaranand, at the ‘Magh Mela’ (an annual ritual on the bank of Ganga in Prayagraj).

Moreover, the community has also been a vocal critic of UGC’s ‘Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions Regulations’.

UP Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak, party leader Abhijat Mishra and other Brahmin leaders demanded a probe into the matter and ensure action against whosoever was responsible for the same.

‘’Giving such an option is highly objectionable. It triggers unnecessary controversy. Strict action should be taken against those responsible for it,’’ BJP MP shashank Mani Tripathi said.

Reports said that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also expressed his displeasure over the matter. The State Police Recruitment Board has ordered a probe into the matter, according to the sources here.

Reports said that a group of students held a demonstration in Gonda in protest against the inclusion of ‘pandit’ as an option in the answer.

Brahmins form around 10 per cent of the total electorate in the state and they will play a crucial role in deciding the outcome of the polls in around two dozen districts in Purvanchal, Avadh and Bundelkhand regions.