TM Exclusive: Dalit grooms face caste discrimination in MP! ASP leader announces horseback march from Ujjain to CM House in Bhopal

Bhopal-  Incidents of stopping Dalit grooms from riding horses during wedding processions (baraat) and attacking them have once again raised serious questions about social justice and law and order in Madhya Pradesh. Raising this issue, Azad Samaj Party leader Sunil Astay launched a sharp attack on the government, stating, "The government has become blind, deaf, and dumb because the matter concerns Dalit grooms." He announced that he will ride a horse from Ujjain, the home constituency of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, to the Chief Minister's residence in the capital, Bhopal.

The aim of this protest is to force the government to implement special provisions to ensure the safety and dignity of Dalit grooms.

Sunil Astay said that such incidents are continuously coming to light in the state, where young men from the Dalit community are being targeted simply because they wish to follow the tradition of riding a horse for their baraat. He alleged that in many cases, the administration's role has also been negligent, which emboldens the accused. Astay warned that if strict action against the guilty, especially under the SC-ST Act and NSA (National Security Act), is not ensured, the Azad Samaj Party and Bhim Army will launch a major movement on the streets.

These incidents came to light earlier:

1. Damoh Incident: Attack on groom and sister, baraat ends up at police station and hospital

An incident on April 21, in Bijori Pathak village under Hata police station area of Damoh district shocked the entire state. The baraat of Goloo Ahirwar, a Dalit youth, was to go to Baksawah in Chhatarpur. Before the baraat departed, the groom was being paraded on a horse in the village as part of the traditional "Rachhawai" ritual. Family members were celebrating, but as soon as the procession reached the Lodhi neighborhood, a dispute broke out.

Local strongmen objected, pulled the groom off the horse, and brutally assaulted him. During this, his sister was also not spared. The incident was so severe that instead of the wedding, the groom had to go to the hospital and the police station. This incident shows how deeply caste-based discrimination persists in rural areas today.

2. In April 2025, a similar dispute arose during the baraat of Dalit groom Jitendra Ahirwar in Mokhra village, Tikamgarh district. As the groom passed through an upper-caste neighborhood on horseback, a woman threw a stone at him. Subsequently, some people assaulted the groom. The situation was controlled after police intervention, and the baraat was escorted out safely.

3. In another incident in May 2025 in Sarkar village, Tikamgarh district, a Dalit groom was prevented from sitting on a horse and forced to return from the village. The baraat could only proceed after the police arrived. These incidents highlight that taking out a baraat for Dalit grooms remains risky even today without administrative presence.

4. In June 2025, in Chourai village, Chhatarpur district, people from dominant castes pelted stones upon seeing a Dalit groom on a horse. The situation worsened to such an extent that police from two police stations had to be called. The baraat was safely escorted only in the presence of police. This incident is a symbol of the serious obstacles on the path to social equality, even 75 years after independence.

The fight between "Tradition" vs. "Constitutional Rights"

Experts believe this dispute is not merely about a social ritual but is directly linked to the constitutional rights to equality, freedom, and dignity. Speaking to The Mooknayak, sociologist Imtiaz Khan said that preventing Dalit grooms from riding horses reflects deep-seated caste inequality and discrimination in Indian society, which goes against the basic spirit of the Constitution.

He clarified that this is not only social injustice but also a legal crime for which strict action is mandated. Despite this, the recurring nature of such incidents highlights administrative laxity and a lack of social awareness. According to Imtiaz Khan, until swift and stringent action is taken in such cases, constitutional rights will continue to be violated in the name of "tradition."

Movement warning and pressure on the government

Sunil Astay's announcement of a horseback march from Ujjain to Bhopal could give this issue significant political and social momentum. He states that this movement will continue until the government takes concrete steps. He demands immediate arrests, strict punishment, and protection for victims.

In a conversation with The Mooknayak, ASP leader Sunil Astay announced the horseback march from Ujjain to Bhopal. He says this movement is not just symbolic protest but an initiative to strengthen the fight for the dignity and rights of the Dalit community, which could give this issue a big form on both political and social levels.

Astay made it clear that the movement will continue until the government takes solid and strict steps against such incidents. He demanded that those involved in discrimination and violence against Dalit grooms be arrested immediately, cases be filed under the National Security Act (NSA), strict punishment be given, and adequate security be provided to victim families to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

Talking to The Mooknayak, advocate and legal expert Mayank Singh said that whenever such incidents occur, the administration arranges for police security for the baraat of Dalit grooms. He explained that in many cases, some people from upper castes try to stop the baraat or prevent the groom from riding the horse, making police presence essential for maintaining law and order.

He further stated that such incidents are not merely social disputes but serious criminal acts. If a Dalit groom or his family members are assaulted, insulted, or discriminated against, a case of atrocity is registered against the accused under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which has strict legal provisions and punishments.

Amidst these recurring incidents, the biggest question remains: Will Dalits in Madhya Pradesh still have to fight for their basic social rights?