Skip divisive preachers: Akhilesh Yadav to organisers amid Dhirendra Shastri row

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has urged organisers and sponsors of religious programmes to avoid controversial preachers, saying objectionable remarks about Hindu deities could create social discord and harm the reputation of those inviting them.

His comments came amid a controversy over statements by Bageshwar Dham head priest Dhirendra Shastri about Lord Krishna and the father of Lord Ram.

In a post on X, Yadav did not name Shastri directly but described some religious speakers as "so-called storytellers" who treat religious discourses as a business and make irresponsible remarks to gain cheap publicity.

"Money is their religion," Yadav said, alleging that such preachers periodically make vulgar displays of their material achievements. He appealed to the administration, organisers and sponsors to exercise caution before inviting them.

Yadav warned that while such preachers might avoid consequences because of political patronage, local organisers would have to face public anger in their cities. He said objectionable remarks about Hindu deities could create social divisions and make devotees believe that the organisers and sponsors also endorsed such statements.

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said those inviting such speakers to build their local influence could face social, economic and political losses and gain a reputation for opposing religion and the gods. He urged organisers not to encourage people who create divisions in society and among followers of Sanatan Dharma, warning that they too could face the consequences of controversial remarks.

Yadav suggested inviting genuine scholars and religious speakers who could explain Vedic and Upanishadic traditions and convey the messages of India's epics to help improve human life.

During a recent Ram Katha in Karera in Madhya Pradesh's Shivpuri district, Shastri compared the forms of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna, saying Ram stands straight while Krishna stands bent in three places. Referring to Lord Krishna's "tribhanga" posture, his flute and Vrindavan, he also compared Ayodhya with Vrindavan.

After the remarks sparked controversy, Shastri apologised and said he had not intended to insult any deity. Yadav, meanwhile, reiterated that organisers should choose religious speakers carefully to avoid social divisions and damage to their own reputation.- EndsInputs from PTI