An organisation founded under the patronage of well-known Delhi BJP leader, late Om Prakash Kohli, and claiming to espouse the cause of Dalits, the Dr. Ambedkar Society for Thoughts, Actions and Consciousness (DASTAK), has demanded a public and unconditional apology from Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over an alleged incident at the Supreme Court premises on October 12, 2026.
Kohli, who later served as Governor of Gujarat, was not a Dalit but belonged to Punjab’s Hindu Khatri community, a traditionally influential community in northern India. DASTAK was established in 1999 and registered as a society in 2000 under Kohli’s patronage, according to the organisation’s official website.
In an open letter addressed to Gandhi, DASTAK president Dr. N.K. Sant alleged that Gandhi, accompanied by other Opposition leaders and a large crowd, entered the Supreme Court premises without permission. The organisation described the alleged incident as one of the “blackest days for Indian democracy since the Emergency”, claiming that it raised concerns about the security and independence of constitutional institutions.
The allegations and characterisation of the incident were made by DASTAK. The letter’s claims were not independently established in the material provided.
Expressing concern on behalf of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Sant said that safeguarding the dignity of constitutional institutions was essential to upholding the ideals of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution.
DASTAK also criticised Opposition parties over their statements and actions concerning Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), the Election Commission of India and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The organisation questioned the evidentiary basis of certain allegations against electoral institutions and referred to earlier meetings with President Droupadi Murmu.
The letter further objected to Opposition leaders raising questions about Indian democratic institutions on international platforms, arguing that such actions could undermine public confidence in the country's constitutional framework.
DASTAK called on Gandhi to clarify the issues raised in the letter and issue an unconditional apology to the nation, the judiciary and citizens committed to Ambedkar's constitutional ideals. It argued that actions perceived as undermining democratic institutions could heighten insecurity among marginalised communities.
Founded in 1999 and registered in 2000, DASTAK says it draws inspiration from Ambedkar's message, “Educate, Unite and Agitate.” According to its official website, the organisation focuses on education, health and prosperity, with an emphasis on the empowerment and holistic development of underprivileged and marginalised communities. It also says it is registered under Sections 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act and on the CSR-1 and NITI Aayog DARPAN platforms.
The organisation maintains that respect for constitutional institutions and accountability in public life are essential to protecting democracy and ensuring that constitutional values remain central to political discourse.
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