Bahraich SP embroiled in controversy over giving guard of honor to the storyteller, DGP demands answers

Bahraich: A video that surfaced from Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh has become a topic of discussion in political and administrative circles these days. The issue of giving guard of honor to famous storyteller Pundarik Goswami during a religious program organized at the Police Parade Ground has gained momentum. After the video went viral, the UP Director General of Police (DGP) took it seriously and sought an explanation from the Superintendent of Police of Bahraich.

Storyteller Pundarik Goswami received Guard of Honor

The controversial incident took place at the Police Parade Ground in Bahraich, where Mathura-Vrindavan storyteller Acharya Pundarik Goswami was invited. It can be clearly seen in the viral video that SP RN Singh himself is leading the parade. A red carpet has been rolled out and uniformed policemen are saluting the narrator. This scene is usually seen only on constitutional posts or official occasions.

During the program, Pundarik Goswami also addressed the policemen from the stage. The reel and video of the program quickly went viral on social media, after which questions were raised whether such an honor could be given to a religious person under government protocol.

SP gave clarification

After the controversy escalated, Bahraich Police issued a clarification. According to the police, complaints of mental stress and depression were reported among some policemen during the training, and even resignations were given in some cases. Keeping this in view, Pundarik Goswami was invited with the aim of boosting morale and providing inspiration. However, opposition parties say that there is a big difference between a motivational lecture and a guard of honour.

Saluting is a direct attack on the Constitution

Nagina MP and Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad reacted sharply to this incident. He said that India is a constitutional republic, not a religious state. Giving a police parade and salute to a storyteller is a direct attack on the Constitution. Whereas the Samajwadi Party called it an insult to the Constitution and Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar and raised the question as to what constitutional position the narrator holds.

DGP asked for report

Taking suo motu cognizance of the matter, the UP Director General of Police clarified that the Police Parade Ground can be used only for training, discipline and official programs. Explanation has been sought from Bahraich SP on allegations of unauthorized use and protocol violation. According to sources, disciplinary action may also be taken after investigation.

Who is Pundarik Goswami?

Pundarik Goswami is a young and famous storyteller of Vrindavan, who has been narrating Bhagwat Katha since the age of seven. He has received education from Oxford University and his story programs are organized in the country and abroad.