Protests erupted in Lucknow on Friday over alleged remarks made by Maulana Jarjis of Etawah, Uttar Pradesh. Activists of the Bharatiya Gau Seva Sangathan demonstrated at Hazratganj intersection, demanding action and filing a case against the Maulana. The protesters burned an effigy of the Maulana, accusing him of making derogatory remarks about Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna.
Around 12:30 pm on Friday, activists carrying saffron flags arrived at Hazratganj intersection. They chanted slogans like “Down with Maulana Jarjis” and “Send the Maulana to jail.” During the protest, which lasted about 15 minutes, activists beat an effigy of the Maulana with shoes and later set it on fire. The protest ended in the presence of police.
Accused of commenting on Shiva and Krishna
Devendra Tiwari, president of the Bharatiya Gau Seva Parishad, alleged that Maulana Jarjis has been making objectionable comments about Sanatan Dharma and Hindu deities. He said that devotees are outraged by the alleged comments about Lord Shiva during the month of Sawan. Protesters allege that the Maulana has made statements about Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna that are considered offensive to the religious sentiments of the Hindu community. The protesters demanded immediate action against the alleged statement.
The protesters demanded that Maulana Jarjis be brought from Etawah to Lucknow and action be taken against him. The organization also stated that they would file a complaint against the Maulana and file a case against him. During the protest, an activist also accused the Maulana of being under the protection of the opposition, although this claim has not been independently confirmed.
‘If action is not taken, there will be agitation across the state’
The protesters expressed their displeasure by burning the effigy. They alleged that their deities, Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna, had been insulted. The activists claimed that the Maulana made comments regarding offering namaz to Lord Shiva and that the Gita also contained similar writings. The activists warned that if a case is not filed against Maulana Jarjis and action is not taken soon, the protest will be taken beyond Lucknow to the entire state. The protesters stated that a statewide protest will be launched to achieve this.