Cong MP Jindal Supports Khap Panchayats, Pledges to Take their Message to Centre

Congress MP Naveen Jindal has come to defence of the Khap Panchayats and supported its demands, said media reports.

Yesterday, he backed the demand of the Haryana khap panchayat for amending Hindu Marriage Act to outlaw marriages within same ‘gotra’ or sub-case, said reports.

The young congress parliamentarian is reported to have written to representatives of such panchayats declaring his support to them and their demands, reports said.

According to media reports, Jindal opined that these Panchayats had always given a ‘new direction’ to the society.

Acknowledging that these panchayats have existed since the time of great rulers like Ashoka and Harshvardhan, the Kurukshetra, Jindal is reported to have waxed lyrical about the Panchayats in his letter, said reports.

He has also pledged to take the Khap message to the Parliament, reports said.

“I have agreed to carry their message and sentiments to the party and Parliament and supported their fight against social ills,” Jindal was quoted as saying while talking to leading newspaper, Times of India.

On Apr 2010, Haryana Khap panchayats sought an amendment in the Hindu Marriage Act seeking a ban on marriages within the same ‘gotra’ or subcaste.

The demand came when they were protesting against the conviction of six people, Khap Panchayat leader Ganga Raj, in honour killing of a couple. The convicted had acted on the directions of a panchyat.

(Based on internet reports)