Dhirendra Shastri faces complaint by SP over remarks on deities
What's the story
Members of the Samajwadi Party (SP) have lodged a complaint against spiritual leader Dhirendra Krishna Shastri with Meerut Senior Superintendent of Police BBGTS Murthy. The complaint accuses Shastri of making separate objectionable remarks about Lord Krishna and Lord Ram. The complainants are demanding an impartial probe and legal action against him for his statements, which they say hurt religious sentiments.
Cultural symbols
'Lord Ram, Krishna are symbols of faith'
SP Lohia Vahini district president Shashikant Gautam stressed that Lord Krishna and Lord Ram are symbols of the faith of crores of people and of Indian culture.
He said, "Making objectionable remarks about their form and religious traditions from a public platform is extremely unfortunate."
Former student union president Anuj Bhadana also weighed in on the matter, saying derogatory remarks can create unnecessary tension in society.
Legal proceedings
Criminal defamation complaint filed against Shastri
Shastri's comments on Lord Krishna have sparked widespread controversy.
"Those who follow Krishna might feel bad, but Krishna is very crooked. Even when he stands, he is bent at three places," he said, according to the complaint.
A criminal defamation complaint has also been filed against him in Agra court by Advocate Ajay Pratap Singh.
The complaint alleges that Shastri's remarks hurt the sentiments of Lord Krishna's descendants and damaged their social reputation.
A hearing is scheduled for December 14.
Apology issued
Shastri has apologized for his remarks
In light of the backlash, Shastri has apologized for his remarks. He clarified that his comments were made out of emotional devotion and were not meant to insult or belittle any deity.
The controversy has also drawn political reactions, with SP president Akhilesh Yadav advising organizers of religious programs to avoid controversial preachers.
In response, BJP state president Pankaj Chaudhary quoted a couplet from Ramcharitmanas on questionable conduct in preaching to others.