In a significant political demonstration, the Madhya Pradesh Congress unit, under the leadership of PCC chief Jitu Patwari and former minister PC Sharma, organized a day-long hunger protest in Bhopal on Saturday. The protest was staged to express solidarity with Shankaracharya of Jyotish Peeth, Avimukteshwaranand, following an incident where the seer was prevented from performing the auspicious Ganga 'snan' (holy bathing) during Mauni Amavasya at the Prayagraj Magh Mela by the Uttar Pradesh administration on January 18.
Congress Condemns BJP Over Sanatan Dharma "Insult"
The protest gathered momentum at Roshanpura Square in Bhopal, drawing a large assembly of Congress workers and functionaries. Participants vehemently criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for what they termed as "the insult and dishonour of Sanatan Dharma." Addressing the media, State Congress President Jitu Patwari articulated the party's stance, emphasizing the historical and religious significance of the issue.
Patwari's Strong Remarks on the Incident
Jitu Patwari remarked, "Throughout the history of this nation and across thousands of years of Sanatan tradition, no one has ever demanded an identification certificate from Jagatguru Shankaracharya. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have done precisely that. For millennia, no one dared to obstruct a Shankaracharya from performing Ganga Snan. The BJP, which often seeks votes by promising advantages to Hindus, has now challenged the very symbol and identity of Sanatan Dharma by halting the Shankaracharya's sacred bath in the Ganges."
He further elaborated, "We are approaching this matter not from a political perspective but from the viewpoint of India's ancient traditions. The Shankaracharya represents a religion that teaches unity in diversity, Vasudevaya kutumbakam, global welfare, and compassion for all living beings. Can our country remain silent after such an affront? The images from the incident have caused profound distress, and it is imperative that the nation responds."
Congress Accuses BJP of Committing a Sin
Patwari went on to assert that the BJP's actions constituted a sin. "This is a grave transgression, and I believe they will face consequences while still in power. They will endure the repercussions of this incident throughout their lives and beyond. I offer my respects at the feet of the Shankaracharya and acknowledge that our religious traditions have been disrespected on a global stage. We are confident that adherents of Sanatan Dharma will recognize the gravity of this act. The hypocrisy of those who speak one language to attain power and act in another has been exposed. We unequivocally condemn the measures taken by PM Modi and the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh."
BJP's Sharp Retort to Congress Protest
The State BJP responded with vigor to the Congress' hunger protest, dismissing it as insincere and contradictory. Ashish Agarwal, the ruling party's media cell chief, articulated the BJP's counter-argument, highlighting perceived inconsistencies in the Congress' position.
Agarwal Criticizes Congress' Stance
Ashish Agarwal stated, "The Congress' hunger protest is not only laughable but also a stark contradiction. The Congress party has historically opposed Sanatan Dharma; its members in Kerala openly advocate and consume beef. The Congress-led government has previously labeled Lord Rama as a mythical figure, and their leader Rahul Gandhi has referred to temple-goers as eve-teasers. Moreover, they have objected to initiatives like the G RAM G scheme. Given this background, how can they genuinely speak of defending Sanatan Dharma?"
He added, "The Congress should instead fast in repentance for their anti-Sanatan character. A party that seeks to undermine and eradicate Sanatan Dharma ought to engage in penance for dismissing Lord Rama as an imaginary entity and for the historical errors they have committed. This one-day fast is merely a theatrical performance orchestrated by the Congress party."
The exchange underscores the deepening political and ideological rift between the Congress and BJP, with both parties leveraging religious and cultural narratives to bolster their positions. The incident has ignited a broader debate on the intersection of politics and religion in contemporary India, resonating beyond Bhopal to capture national attention.
