BJP leader Keya Ghosh backed the FIR registered against Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi and other leaders, alleging that they have repeatedly “mocked” Sanatan Dharma.
The controversy centres on a protest outside the Parliament on Friday where Purnia MP Pappu Yadav, dressed in saffron robes as a temple priest, and fellow opposition MPs enacted a skit involving a collection box and allegations of corruption. The performance prompted BJP leaders, including Bansuri Swaraj and several MLAs, to file formal police complaints in New Delhi, accusing the leaders of outraging Hindu religious sentiments. A separate FIR has also been registered in Varanasi following a complaint by a religious leader.
“An FIR must certainly be lodged. Not just in Varanasi, but everywhere. Action should be taken against Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, and Awadhesh Prasad. They do not respect Sanatan Dharma; that is why they have made a mockery of the Ram Mandir,” Keya Ghosh told ANI
The BJP leader specifically pointed towards a recent incident involving Purnia MP Pappu Yadav and Faizabad MP Awadhesh Prasad, claiming their conduct with a photograph of ‘Ram Lalla’ was offensive to devotees.
“Furthermore, look at what Pappu Yadav did–touching Awadhesh Prasad’s feet while holding a photograph of Ram Lalla… I would urge Ram devotees across the country to file FIRs against them; the strictest possible action and punishment should follow,” she added.
Ghosh further intensified her attack on Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of leading a political culture that fails to honour religious sentiments.
“These individuals and their LoP, Rahul Gandhi, repeatedly fail to respect Sanatan Dharma… I hope the Varanasi Police will take strict action regarding this FIR,” she stated.
Another police complaint has been lodged against Pappu Yadav by petitioner Surya Maithil at Jehangirpuri Police Station in the national capital.