“’If Hinduism is attacked…’: Dhirendra Shastri’s speech in Bihar sparks controversy, Congress responds”

Self-styled godman Dhirendra Shastri, who is currently in Bihar for the Sanatan Mahakumbh, declared that his biggest dream is to see a "Bhagwa-e-Hind" — a saffron-colored India. He said that if anyone attacks the Hindu religion, he will respond strongly.

“My only dream is Bhagwa-e-Hind. If my religion is attacked, I will retaliate because I am a Hindu, and I speak only about Hindutva,” he told the gathering.

Speaking at the event, Shastri also called on people to rise above caste divisions and come together. He clarified that he is not against any religion — whether Islam or Christianity — but he has an issue with Hindus who create divisions within the community based on caste.

To make his point, he gave an analogy: “If a father has four children, would he love one less than the others? All the children are equally loved. In the same way, we are all Hindus, we are all equal, and we should not fight among ourselves. We are not here for politics, we are here for Ramneeti,” he said.

Shastri also made it clear that he does not belong to any political party but supports all parties that represent Hindus. He announced that after the Bihar state assembly elections later this year, he will go on a padyatra (a foot pilgrimage) across the state — which will be purely for Hindus and not for politics.

In response to Shastri’s comments, Janata Dal (United) spokesperson Manish Kumar said that Shastri is a spiritual leader, but running the country is the job of the Constitution and its leaders.

“The country is not run by babas (spiritual leaders); it’s run by the Constitution,” Kumar said. He emphasized that India’s strength lies in its diversity and that no religion should be criticised.

“We must remember that India is home to Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians — all brothers. Our diversity is our true strength. All religions deserve respect. Such statements are pointless,” he added.

Congress leader Rajesh Rathaur also reacted, pointing out that Prime Minister Modi himself talks about caste issues.

“India has always been a land of saints who guide us in the right direction. But we also remember those who mislead us. Baba Bageshwar says he will protest against those who talk about caste — if that’s true, then the Prime Minister also talks about caste,” he said.

By saying this, Rathaur implied that Dhirendra Shastri is indirectly questioning the Prime Minister’s approach to caste discussions.