Now UP BJP leader says Lord Hanuman belonged to Vaishya community

UP BJP leader Vineet Agarwal Sharda said Lord Hanuman belonged to the Vaishya community, weeks after CM Yogi Adityanath termed the deity a Dalit. Sharda said the Vaishya community and Lord Ram come from the same lineage and Hanuman is the adopted son of Lord Ram.

Uttar Pradesh BJP leader Vineet Agarwal Sharda has said Lord Hanuman belonged to the Vaishya community, weeks after chief minister Yogi Adityanath termed the Hindu deity a Dalit.

Addressing rallies before the recent assembly election in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath had said Lord Hanuman belonged to Dalit and tribal communities. (Sanchit Khanna/HT Photo)

Talking to PTI on Thursday, Sharda claimed the Vaishya community and Lord Ram come from the same lineage and Lord Hanuman is the adopted son of Lord Ram.

Sharda, however, evaded reply to a question on Adityanath’s remarks. Addressing rallies before the recent assembly election in Rajasthan, the UP CM had said Lord Hanuman belonged to Dalit and tribal communities.

“Hanuman was a tribal, a forest dweller and deprived. Bajrang Bali worked to connect all Indian communities together, from north to south and east to west. This was his resolve as it was Lord Ram’s wish. Just like him, we should also not rest till we fulfil that wish,” Adityanath had said.

Following Adityanath’s assertions, BJP MLC Bukkal Nawab claimed that Lord Hanuman was a Muslim.

On the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya, Sharda said work was on and would be completed soon.