Political controversy has deepened over Dhirendra Krishna Shastri's remarks regarding Lord Shri Ram and Lord Shri Krishna during the Katha in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh. Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, Mahua Moitra, Priyanka Chaturvedi and Bhupesh Baghel raised questions on the statement. After the controversy escalated, Dhirendra Shastri gave clarification and apologized.
Tezzbuzz Desk – The remarks made by Bageshwar Dham's Peethadhishwar Dhirendra Krishna Shastri regarding Lord Shri Ram and Lord Shri Krishna have become a matter of political debate. Protests started in religious and political circles after the video of the remarks made during Shri Ram Katha organized on October 29 at Karaira in Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh went viral on social media. Leaders of opposition parties including Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Congress reacted on this matter and also questioned the silence of BJP. Amidst the controversy, Dhirendra Shastri clarified that his aim was not to create differences between the two worshippers.
Why was there controversy over the comparison of Ram and Krishna?
The controversy started with the remarks made in reference to Lord Shri Ram and Lord Shri Krishna during Shri Ram Katha. In the viral video, Dhirendra Shastri gave the example of flute and bow while presenting Ayodhya and Lord Ram in straight form, while Vrindavan and Lord Krishna in crooked form. After this, some saints of Braj region and people of Yadav community raised objection. Opponents say that both Lord Shri Ram and Lord Shri Krishna are worshipers of Sanatan tradition and such comparison between them can hurt religious sentiments.
Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav expressed strong objection to the comment. He said that human mistakes can be forgiven, but according to him, this should not happen in the case of blasphemy. Akhilesh demanded a ban on Dhirendra Shastri's programs and legal action. He also alleged that negative comparisons between incarnations of God could harm the unity of the Sanatan Samaj.
Tejashwi Yadav said – Trying to divide even God
RJD leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Tejashwi Yadav described Lord Krishna as a symbol of public unity and equality. Describing the comment as indecent and indecent, he said that now efforts are being made to divide even God for political gains. Tejashwi also demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP leaders to come forward and answer on this matter.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi questioned the discriminatory thinking, calling Lord Ram and Lord Krishna part of the same faith. At the same time, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra targeted the silence of BJP. He questioned whether BJP's stand would have remained the same if any other person had made such comments.
Former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel also took a dig at Dhirendra Shastri's remarks. He raised the question why people talking about Hindu religion are not protesting on this matter. After Baghel's reaction, this issue became a part of political rhetoric.
Dhirendra Shastri apologized after the protest
After the controversy escalated, Dhirendra Krishna Shastri released a video and gave clarification. He said that his comment was misinterpreted and he had no intention of creating a divide between Lord Shri Ram and Lord Shri Krishna. Describing himself as a devotee of Lord Thakur ji and Braj, he said that if his words hurt anyone, he apologizes. Shastri also said that his comment was in the context of sentiment and humor and conclusions were being drawn after watching a part of the video.
The controversy has sparked debate over religious belief, responsibility for public statements and the reactions of political parties. At present, despite Dhirendra Shastri's clarification, political rhetoric continues on this issue.