Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Yadav wrote a letter to President Draupadi Murmu, requesting her to order strict action against Delhi University Professor Sangeet Ragi for allegedly insulting the Yadav community.
Mr. Yadav said that he used the abusive language on behest of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He mentioned that action is necessary so that it serves as an exemplary punishment, ensuring that in a diverse country like India, no one dares to insult any society, class or community in the name of freedom of expression, and thus hurting unity and integrity of the nation.
The three-page letter dated November 6, 2026, was shared with media on Saturday (November 7, 2026).
“I am writing to you in my capacity as a Member of Parliament (Rajyasabha) to express my serious concern regarding the alleged caste-based derogatory remarks made by Professor Sangeet Ragi of the University of Delhi against India’s largest community (Yadav/Ahir) during a televised public debate,” Mr. Yadav stated.
He added, “The controversy surrounding the Professor’s remarks has generated considerable public resentment. According to media reports, the remarks reportedly included the use of expressions such as “gawar” in conjunction with the term “Ahir”. The subsequent controversy has raised serious concerns about the use of caste identity, community genealogy and social stereotypes as instruments of public insult and humiliation.”
Mr. Yadav asserted that the matter is particularly disturbing because the individual concerned occupies a responsible academic position at one of India’s most prestigious public universities.
He further said a university professor, especially one associated with political science, is expected to uphold constitutional morality, democratic values, social equality and respect for the dignity of every community.
“A teacher who must be educating his students against societal stereotypes is here himself strengthening unacceptable caste based derogatory stereotypes. Prof. Ragi has been notorious for habitually making indecent and unacceptable remarks and expletives against women folk, dalit community and whole bahujan community from time to time in TV debates,” Mr. Yadav said,
He mentioned that Mr. Ragi’s remarks have caused considerable resentment among members of the affected communities, students and various civil society organisations.
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 every other community, deserves recognition and respect rather than being subjected to ridicule, social stereotyping or derogatory characterisation.
“No individual or academic authority should be permitted 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 highlighted that the Yadav community, renowned globally for its valour and patriotism, has consistently made the ultimate sacrifice in the nation’s struggle for independence and has recorded the highest number of martyrdoms in every war fought by India.
He added that the community maintains a distinguished and formidable presence across the Indian Armed Forces, paramilitary forces, and various state police departments.
RJD MP further described that beyond their martial contributions, leaders from the Yadav community have held pivotal national portfolios- serving with distinction as the Lok Sabha Speaker, Union Minister for External Affairs, Railways, Defence, Civil Aviation, Agriculture, development and Irrigation, in addition to governing several states as Chief Ministers or as Governors and Assembly Speakers.
He asserted that among the academic circles there is a growing demand that the PhD theses submitted by Mr. Ragi on various subjects must undergo a comprehensive, de novo re-investigation.
Mr. Yadav said that the scrutiny must meticulously evaluate his research methodology, the veracity of the facts presented, and the authenticity of the sources cited therein.
Mr. Yadav who also works as political advisor to Leader of Opposition in Bihar Legislative Assembly Tejashwi Yadav, pointed out that freedom of expression is an essential democratic right but it cannot be used as an unrestricted licence to humiliate communities or promote social prejudice.
He mentioned that universities must be spaces where differences are debated through reason, evidence and academic rigour rather than through caste-based ridicule or public humiliation. Mr. Yadav also said that the dignity of a community should never become a casualty of political debate or academic authority.
“I request your kind, intervention in your capacity as Visitor of the University of Delhi so that an impartial inquiry is undertaken and appropriate action is considered in accordance with the Constitution, applicable laws and university regulations,” Mr. Yadav said.
Published – November 08, 2026 04:14 am IST
