Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijaya Singh’s comment that some saffron-clad people (bhagwadhari) got embroiled in criminal activities, including rape, and Chief Minister Kamal Nath sitting cross-legged wearing shoes beside a renowned saint sparked controversy immediately after the inauguration of a ‘Sant Samagam’ (conclave of seers) in Bhopal.
BJP leaders attacked Singh and Nath over their respective misdemeanors and sought apology from the duo.
Speaking at a huge convention of saints, organised under the leadership of chairman of Narmada River Trust Namdev Das Tyagi alias Computer Baba, Singh said some people use religion only for political gains. He went on to say that some saffron-clad people sold churan (traditional medicine mix), got involved in criminal activities and added that there have been incidents where women were assaulted in temples. Such people are only defaming Sanatan dharma and will never be forgiven, he said.
He also offered a new slogan, ‘Jai Siya Ram’ in place of ‘Jai Shri Ram,' saying the ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogan is being used for political gains. He said Sita (Siya), wife of Lord Ram, should also be remembered always.
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However, Singh’s comments on saffron robes evoked sharp reactions from the BJP even before the event was over. BJP spokesperson Rajneesh Agrawal tweeted asking if he was pushing any 'missionary agenda' by making such remarks. He said Hindus and Hindu saints were being insulted, and added that the presence of a few criminal elements does not make all saffron-robed people suspects. “Will he (Singh) express similar views on attires of maulavis (Islamic preachers) and padris (Christian priests)?” he asked.
BJP leaders Vijesh Lunawat and Rahul Kothari too took to Twitter to post photographs of CM Nath sitting cross-legged wearing shoes beside Saint Subodh Anand Maharaj and said the chief minister insulted the entire seer community by his actions, and sought an apology from him.
National general secretary of the BJP Kailash Vijayvargiya tweeted on both the issues, terming them condemnable and lowly behaviours. He said the behaviour of Congress leaders towards saints show their attitude towards the country. Kamal Nath shows shoes to the saints and Singh sees rapists in saffron-robed people, Vijayvargiya tweeted.
Kamal Nath taunts BJP
Meanwhile, during his speech at the event, Nath taunted the BJP, saying the huge gathering of saints will surely cause stomach ache for some. Hinting clearly at the opposition BJP, Nath said that whenever they (Congress leaders) get involved in religious activities or with religious people, some people got stomach ache and everyone knew who they were.
Nath further said these people (the BJP) thought they had sole discretion over religious aspects, but the Congress government has proven its purpose and policy during the past few months of rule. “We do not want to publicise our work (done in areas of religion and for saint community) because we feel it is our duty to the people and the saints,” he added.
