Uttar Pradesh Teacher Faces Action Over Comment Comparing Brahminism to Terrorism

Uttar Pradesh – A controversy has erupted in the Basti district of Uttar Pradesh after Vijay Patel, an assistant teacher posted at Primary School Ramapur in Gaur Block, compared Brahminism to terrorism in a WhatsApp group discussion related to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

The teacher made the remark in the Sharda Computer WhatsApp group operated by the Block Resource Center (BRC), which was quickly screenshotted and shared on social media, sparking outrage from members of the Brahmin community who demanded strict action against him.

BJP leader and social worker Chandramani Pandey 'Sudama' called for Patel’s dismissal and the filing of criminal charges. He even threatened an indefinite sit-in protest at the District Magistrate’s office if the administration failed to act.

On Monday, when Pandey reached the Collectorate for the protest, the District Magistrate invited him for a meeting. A discussion was held for about half an hour with Pandey and others, including Vijay Shankar Tripathi, Vedprakash Tripathi, Santosh Pathak, and Vimalendra Singh.

According to a report by Amar Ujala, the District Magistrate (DM) stated: “The accused teacher was given two days by the Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) to submit his response. If it was submitted by Saturday, it will be received by post on Monday. Otherwise, a fresh notice will be issued, followed by suspension proceedings.”

The show-cause notice issued by the District Basic Education Officer on April 24 reads: “As per information received through social media and several phone calls, you made the following statement from your mobile number 9451****** in a teachers’ WhatsApp group: ‘Terrorists ask about religion, Brahminism asks about caste – there’s no difference. For the sake of humanity, both must be uprooted.’ This has sent a wrong message about the Brahmin community. Your actions are against the code of conduct expected from a teacher. Terrorism is like poison for the world, the nation, and society — comparing it to Brahminism is highly inappropriate. You have insulted an entire community, leading to public outrage and demands for action against you.”

The notice further directs the teacher to submit a written explanation within two days with evidence, and to justify why no further disciplinary action should be initiated against him.

Local Journalist Highlights Historical Context of Criticism Against Brahminism

Speaking to The Mooknayak, Saurabh VP Verma, a journalist from Basti district and editor of the online news portal Tahkikat Samachar, said:
“In Basti, the use of the term 'Brahminism' by a teacher has been turned into a controversy, with members of the Brahmin community pressuring the administration to file an FIR. However, if we examine past social debates, even legislative assemblies have witnessed strong voices raised against Brahminism.”

He further added, “Ram Swarup Verma, former Finance Minister in the Uttar Pradesh government, was also known for his outspoken opposition to Brahminism—both inside and outside the legislature. In reality, the issue is being unnecessarily exaggerated by some members of the Brahmin community. They must rethink their mindset, because the critique of Brahminism is not directed at Brahmins as individuals, but at a system.”

Quoting B.R. Ambedkar, he noted: “In 1938, Ambedkar said in a speech that Brahminism is a mindset in which a person does not want anyone else to have access to dignity, security, prosperity, health, or education. This attitude, many say, is dangerous for any nation. In such a context, any critique of Brahminism should not be seen as an insult to Brahmins themselves.”

“If Brahminism is Brahmin, then they must take full responsibility for the oppression of Dalits”

In response to the incident, Dr. Jitendra Meena, Professor and National Spokesperson of the Bharat Adivasi Party, wrote on social media platform X: “Just writing ‘Terrorists ask about religion, Brahminists about caste’ is enough to get a show-cause notice? If Brahminism is Brahmin, then they must take full responsibility for the oppression of Dalits, subjugation of women, exploitation of Adivasis, creation of an unequal society, and the enslavement of India. And if Brahminism is not Brahmin, then such notices are a waste of time and government resources. Instead, Vijay Patel should be honored, and the government should correct its mistake.”

Motivational speaker and educator Vijendra Chauhan also weighed in, writing: “Can you imagine this ? State now believes that protecting “Brahmanism” is its duty? Opposing brahmanism is now something that will be against rules.”