Caste-based discrimination remains a deeply entrenched issue in India. The caste system, a social hierarchy dating back centuries, continues to marginalize and oppress certain communities. Despite legal efforts to eradicate it, instances of discrimination in education, employment, and public spaces persist, perpetuating social inequalities. Even the Vice President of JP Morgan Chase & Co. couldn’t escape it.
Anirudh Kejriwal, the person in question, took to X to share how he faced “blatant caste discrimination” in Sant Vihar 1 Society, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, where the society’s management barred his entry due to his caste.
Shocked to face blatant caste discrimination in Sant Vihar 1 Society, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. My attempt to buy a flat turned into a nightmare as society's management is barring my entry due to caste. #Gandhinagar #Gujarat #CasteDiscrimination @GujaratPolice @CMOGuj…
— Anirudh Kejriwal (@AnirudhKejriwal) February 24, 2024
He revealed how despite paying significant advance, the society’s chairman and management openly refused to allow people from “other castes” to move in.
After paying a significant advance, planning was underway to finalize the sale deed. But the seller’s evasion on providing the NOC from the society was the first red flag. Little did I know, the real issue lay deeper.
— Anirudh Kejriwal (@AnirudhKejriwal) February 24, 2024
My concerns were confirmed when the society’s chairman and management openly stated their refusal to allow people from ‘other’ castes to move in. In the heart of Gujarat, this open discrimination left me in disbelief.
— Anirudh Kejriwal (@AnirudhKejriwal) February 24, 2024
Anirudh was also apparently threatened with “dire consequences” if he proceeded with the purchase of the apartment. This highlights how India has a long way to go in terms of becoming an inclusive nation.
The situation escalated quickly with nearly 30 people gathering, threatening me with dire consequences if I proceeded. They demanded proofs of ancestry and caste, to which, under pressure, I complied, hoping for a resolution. #Intimidation
— Anirudh Kejriwal (@AnirudhKejriwal) February 24, 2024
All my preparations, from financial investments to personal arrangements, are now in jeopardy due to this discrimination. The vision of an inclusive India feels tarnished in the very state leading India’s development narrative.
— Anirudh Kejriwal (@AnirudhKejriwal) February 24, 2024
I am left with no option but to seek legal recourse to reclaim my rights and investment. But this incident raises a bigger question about societal norms and the real progress we have made towards eradicating caste discrimination.
— Anirudh Kejriwal (@AnirudhKejriwal) February 24, 2024
Anirudh Kejriwal further divulged how after living in Mumbai for many years, he decided to move to Gujarat over an opportunity to move to Singapore.
“This experience has been nothing short of a nightmare. The pain of facing such open casteism, in a place I chose with hope, is indescribable,” he wrote.
After living in Mumbai for years, I decided to move to Gujarat, choosing it over an opportunity in Singapore. I was captivated by the promise of GIFT City and the grand vision our PM and government laid out for us. It inspired me so much that I took a big step and decided to buy… https://t.co/3HNmc9BiWN
— Anirudh Kejriwal (@AnirudhKejriwal) February 25, 2024
Several people online were disappointed upon learning about this blatant caste discrimination that he was subjected to and slammed the society’s management for perpetuating such social evils. Here’s how some of them reacted:
I’m not surprised, despite all the claims of modernity the thinking of many people here is extremely backwards. Caste based discrimination is rampant in real estate market.
— Riddham Manna (@riddham) February 25, 2024
So sorry to hear about what you had to go through, Anirudh! But this is one of the sad realities of staying in Gujarat! Hope you and your family are fine!
— Aarav Investments (@aaravinvestment) February 25, 2024
Just imagine what they would do if a minority person wants to buy the house.
— SJabri (@mangal322) February 26, 2024
For all those who think India will be a great country after driving out Muslims and Christians, this is what awaits next.
— Pattabiraman K (@newyork_dc) February 26, 2024
Was in Surat recently and while this segregation in Gujarat started with alienating Muslims, the state has become so deeply parochial that there are islands created even among Hindus – apartments have only one caste, Jain only housing complexes. Such a disgustingly closed society https://t.co/cxsY4BazAG
— Suma 🔻 (@sumatweet) February 26, 2024
If this is what such a successful professional has had to go through, imagine what other marginalized communities have to go through on a daily basis.