"I Sincerely Apologize": Himanta Biswa Sarma On Caste Hierarchy tweet, Attributes Error To Incorrect Translation
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has issued a public apology after a recent social media post containing a casteist remark sparked controversy. The post, which suggested that serving Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas was the natural duty of Shudras, was promptly deleted by Sarma once the post attracted traction and invited contoversy.
Sarma, known for sharing a daily sloka from the Bhagavad Gita on his social media platforms, explained that the controversial post was the result of an incorrect translation of Chapter 18 verse 44 by one of his team members. The Chief Minister clarified that the error was unintentional and emphasized that he promptly took down the post upon discovering the mistake.
In his apology, Sarma highlighted the rich tradition of a casteless society in the state of Assam, attributing it to the reform movement led by Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva. The Chief Minister expressed his commitment to the ideals of a society free from caste distinctions and acknowledged the potential harm caused by the erroneous social media post.
“If the deleted post has offended anyone, I sincerely apologize,” Sarma stated in his apology, indicating his regret for any unintended impact the post may have had.
Himanta Biswa Sarma faced flak from Opposition and many said the tweet represents the core ideology of RSS, the ideological parent of BJP, the political outfit Sarma belongs to.
As a routine I upload one sloka of Bhagavad Gita every morning on my social media handles. Till date, I have posted 668 slokas.
Recently one of my team members posted a sloka from Chapter 18 verse 44 with an incorrect translation.
As soon as I noticed the mistake, I promptly…
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) December 28, 2023
“Holding a constitutional position, your oath is to treat every citizen equally. It’s reflected in the unfortunate cruelty that Assam’s Muslims have faced in the past few years. Hindutva is antithetical to Liberty, Equality, Fraternity and Justice,” commented AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi.
On Tuesday, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in strong words condemned Assam Chief Minister’s post and slammed it as “BJPs Manuvadi ideology in full play!”
Sharing Himanta Biswa Sarma‘s post, CPI(M) wrote on microblogging site X: “We strongly denounce Assam CM Himanta Biswas’ tweet claiming that “Shudras are to serve Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vaishyas” BJPs Manuvadi ideology in full play!”
