Sat Mar 08 11:48:56 UTC 2025: ## 300-Year-Old Caste Discrimination Denies Dalit Families Access to West Bengal Temple

**Kolkata, March 8, 2025** – Around 130 Dalit families in West Bengal’s Purba Bardhaman district are facing centuries-old caste-based discrimination, preventing them from worshipping at their local temple. For three hundred years, the Das families, traditional cobblers and weavers, have been barred from the Gidheswar Shiv temple in Gidhgram village by the temple committee and other villagers.

This discriminatory practice, violating Article 25 of the Indian Constitution guaranteeing freedom of worship, has led to ostracization and economic hardship for the affected families. They have been denied access to the village dairy, impacting their livelihoods.

Despite interventions by police, local administration, and two MLAs, including attempts at a truce following a written appeal from the families, the situation remains unresolved. A resolution was signed on February 28th to allow the families access to the temple, but this agreement remains unenforced. Further attempts to access the temple have been thwarted, with police citing concerns about escalating tensions.

The families are now considering legal action if the authorities fail to guarantee their constitutional right to worship. While officials claim to be monitoring the situation and plan further meetings, the Das families remain pessimistic about a swift resolution and are contemplating leaving their ancestral home. A temple committee member acknowledged the long-standing tradition but expressed concerns about potential unrest if the families are forcibly allowed access. One MLA stated that the issue requires time and dialogue to resolve.

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