Akhilesh Yadav seeks entry restrictions for Dhirendra Shastri over Lord Krishna remarks
The Samajwadi Party chief suggested a blockade at the Uttar Pradesh-Madhya Pradesh border following controversial comparisons made by the Bageshwar Dham priest.
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday called for restrictions on the entry of Bageshwar Dham head priest Dhirendra Shastri into Uttar Pradesh. The demand follows remarks made by Shastri during a Ram Katha in Karera, Madhya Pradesh, where he compared the forms of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna.
According to reports from India Today and Moneycontrol, Shastri remarked that while Lord Ram stands straight, Lord Krishna stands bent at three points, referring to the 'tribhanga' posture. Shastri apologised on November 3 via a video message from Nairobi, Kenya, stating he did not intend to insult any deity or draw distinctions between the two.
Akhilesh Yadav stated on X that Shastri had hurt the sentiments of both 'Yaduvanshis' and 'Raghuvanshis'. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister suggested that a sign should be placed at the Uttar Pradesh-Madhya Pradesh border stating that those committing blasphemy are prohibited from entering the state.
The controversy has led to protests in Lucknow, where SP workers submitted a police complaint at the Hazratganj police station. Pravesh Yadav, state secretary of the Mulayam Singh Youth Brigade, alleged that the preacher used inappropriate language and mocked Lord Krishna's personality.
The incident has political implications for Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, who is associated with identity politics and has commissioned work on 'Krishna Pathey'. Akhilesh Yadav questioned why political figures are bringing God into mutual clashes and noted that Mohan Yadav, being a Yadav, should have been offended.
Shastri is scheduled to hold a religious discourse in Kunda, Pratapgarh, from November 17 to 20, organised by Raghuraj Pratap Singh.