Archive · 31 Oct 2025
Journalist Justifies RJD's Casteist Slogan, Sparks Outrage
Imagine in the past, a politician in India used a slogan that basically meant getting rid of certain groups of people based on their family names.
Some people think this was very wrong because it encouraged hate and violence.
Recently, a news reporter who is the daughter of a former politician from that time said that this slogan was needed back then, like a necessary step in politics.
This has made many people very angry.
They say that encouraging people to harm others is never okay, no matter the reason.
They compare it to if someone today said bad things about another group of people, it would be called hate speech.
The reporter's comments are being seen as trying to make bad actions seem okay.
Journalist Marya Shakil has been criticized for justifying the RJD's 1990s slogan "Bhura Baal Saaf Karo", which targeted upper castes.
Shakil, daughter of a former RJD minister, called the slogan a "political necessity" and "need of the hour" for 1990s Bihar.
The slogan "Bhura Baal Saaf Karo" is an acronym targeting Bhumihars, Rajputs, Brahmins, and Lalas/Kayasths.
Critics argue Shakil's comments romanticize caste-based violence and genocide calls, comparing her stance to potential justification of similar rhetoric from other parties.
Recent instances of the "Bhura Baal Saaf Karo" slogan being used by RJD leaders have also been reported.
- Who
- India Today journalist Marya Shakil, RJD party, and targeted upper castes in Bihar.
- What
- Journalist Marya Shakil justified the RJD's historical 'Bhura Baal Saaf Karo' slogan, which called for the elimination of upper castes. This has led to widespread criticism.
- When
- The slogan originated in the 1990s, and Shakil's comments were made recently, with recent instances of the slogan's use also noted.
- Where
- Bihar, India.
- Why
- Shakil suggested the slogan was a 'political necessity' and 'need of the hour' during the 1990s in Bihar, while critics argue it was a justification of caste-based violence and hate speech.
Marya Shakil's Viewpoint
Critics' Viewpoint
Justification of "Bhura Baal Saaf Karo" Slogan
Marya Shakil's Viewpoint
The slogan was a "political necessity" and "need of the hour" in the context of 1990s Bihar politics, driven by social justice movements.
Critics' Viewpoint
The slogan was a genocidal call targeting specific upper castes and promotes caste-based violence and hate speech, which should not be justified or romanticized.
Nature of the Slogan
Marya Shakil's Viewpoint
It was part of a political movement and comparable to other social issue-based political strategies.
Critics' Viewpoint
The slogan's clear targeting and eliminationist language represent hate speech, comparable to how similar rhetoric from other political groups would be condemned.
- Slogan
- "Bhura Baal Saaf Karo" (Clean out the Bhumihars, Rajputs, Brahmins, and Lalas/Kayasths)
- Targeted Castes
- Bhumihars, Rajputs, Brahmins, Lalas/Kayasths (Upper Castes)
- Associated Party
- Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)
- Time Period
- 1990s and recent election campaigns
- Journalist's Affiliation
- India Today
- Journalist's Father
- Shakil Ahmed Khan, former minister in Rabri Devi's cabinet
