RJD MP Sanjay Yadav writes to the President seeking action against DU professor Sangeet Ragi

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Yadav has written a letter to President Draupadi Murma, asking her to order strict action against Delhi University professor Sangeet Ragi for allegedly insulting the Yadav community.

Mr Yadav said he had used abusive language at the behest of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He mentioned that the action is necessary to serve as an exemplary punishment and to ensure that in a diverse country like India, no one dares to insult any society, class or community in the name of freedom of speech and thereby damage the unity and integrity of the nation.

The three-page letter, dated November 6, 2026, was shared with the media on Saturday (November 7, 2026).

“I am writing to you as a Member of Parliament (Rajyasabha) to express my grave concern over the alleged derogatory remarks made by Professor Sangeet Ragi of Delhi University against India’s largest community (Yadav/Ahir) during a televised public debate,” Mr Yadav said.

He added: “The controversy surrounding the professor’s remarks created considerable public outrage. According to media reports, the remarks allegedly included the use of terms such as ‘gawar’ in conjunction with ‘Ahir’. The ensuing controversy raised serious concerns about the use of caste identity, community genealogy and social stereotypes as tools of public insult and humiliation.”

Mr Yadav argued that the matter was of particular concern as the individual in question held a responsible academic position at one of India’s most prestigious public universities.

He further said that a university professor, especially a political science professor, is expected to uphold constitutional morality, democratic values, social equality and respect for the dignity of every community.

“A teacher who has to educate his students against social stereotypes is himself reinforcing unacceptable caste derogatory stereotypes here. Professor Ragi is known for making indecent and unacceptable remarks and abuses against women, Dalits and the entire Bahujan community in TV debates from time to time,” Yadav said.

He mentioned that Mr. Ragi’s remarks had created considerable resentment among members of the affected communities, students and various civil society organizations.

The RJD MP explained that the Yadav/Ahir community has a long and complex social, historical and cultural genealogy, adding that its identity, like that of any other community, deserves recognition and respect rather than being subjected to ridicule, social stereotyping or derogatory characterization.

“No individual or academic authority should be allowed to use historical, sociological or genealogical narratives to demean an entire community or associate its social identity with alleged intellectual or cultural inferiority,” Mr Yadav wrote.

He pointed out that the Yadav community, renowned worldwide for its courage and patriotism, has consistently made the supreme sacrifice in the nation’s struggle for independence and has recorded the highest number of martyr deaths in every war India has fought.

He added that the community maintains a prominent and formidable presence across the Indian armed forces, paramilitary forces and various state police departments.

The RJD MP further described that apart from their wartime contributions, leaders from the Yadav community hold key national portfolios – serving with distinction as Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of External Affairs, Railways, Defence, Civil Aviation, Agriculture, Development and Irrigation, besides ruling several states as Chief Ministers or as Governors and Assembly Speakers.

He claimed that there is a growing demand among academic circles that PhD theses submitted by Mr. Ragi on various topics should undergo a comprehensive de novo review.

Mr. Yadav said the scrutiny must carefully evaluate his research methodology, the veracity of the facts presented and the authenticity of the sources cited therein.

Mr Yadav, who also works as a political adviser to Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Assembly Tejashwi Yadav, pointed out that freedom of expression is a fundamental democratic right but cannot be used as an unlimited license to humiliate communities or promote social prejudices.

He mentioned that universities must be a space where differences are discussed through reason, evidence and academic rigor rather than through caste-based ridicule or public humiliation. Mr. Yadav also said that the dignity of the community should never fall victim to political debate or academic authority.

“I seek your kind intervention in your capacity as Visitor of Delhi University to conduct an impartial inquiry and consider appropriate action in accordance with the Constitution, applicable laws and university regulations,” Mr. Yadav said.

Published – 8 Nov 2026 04:14 IST