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In a widely circulated audio clip, former Karnataka BJP MLA Goolihatti Shekar disclosed that he faced entry denial to the house of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) founder KB Hedgewar, now transformed into a museum, allegedly due to his caste. The Dalit leader's revelation prompted reactions from both the ruling Congress party, which accused the BJP and RSS of caste discrimination, and the RSS itself.
The viral audio clip captures Goolihatti Shekar expressing his experience of being denied entry into Hedgewar's house because of his caste. Responding to this revelation, Karnataka Congress leader Priyank Kharge took to social media to share the audio clip and raised questions about why Goolihatti Shekar, a Dalit, was barred from entering the museum on Mahaparinirvan Diwas.
Subsequently, Goolihatti Shekar clarified his remarks, confirming that the audio clip indeed belonged to him. He explained that a guide accompanying him informed him about the restriction on entry for Scheduled Caste individuals into the museum. He clarified that while he did not face direct refusal, the guide mentioned that individuals from Scheduled Castes might not be permitted inside.
Elaborating on the incident, the former BJP leader stated, "When I went to the museum, the person guiding me explained about the system that exists there and practices are followed. I asked the person to carry on and said I would stay back." Despite RSS members denying the existence of any rules preventing entry based on caste, Goolihatti Shekar recounted his personal experience and expressed his dismay. He acknowledged the possibility of breaching protocols and extended an apology if such actions occurred.
In response to the controversy, the RSS issued a statement refuting the allegations. The RSS emphasized that there is no system in place for registering visitors or restricting entry based on caste at the association office or memorial buildings. The statement also questioned the timing of Goolihatti Shekar's revelation, highlighting the absence of any mention of the incident during the ten months following the Karnataka assembly elections. Shekar had parted ways with the BJP after being denied a ticket in the Karnataka Assembly elections earlier in the year.
