Purnia : Independent MP from Bihar’s Purnia, Pappu Yadav, on Friday sought to calm the controversy surrounding his symbolic skit in Parliament over the alleged theft of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, saying his protest was directed against corruption and not against religion or faith. Hours after staging the satirical protest inside the Parliament complex, Yadav shared a video on Instagram in which he appeared dressed in saffron robes, a traditional turban, sacred ash and tilak on his forehead, along with multiple rudraksha malas.
Accompanying the video, Yadav wrote that he had no objection to saffron, Hinduism, Hindutva, Sanatan, religious rituals, or saints, and that he respected them all. “My objection is only to those who exploit people’s faith and emotions by looting donations in the name of religion. Faith will always command my respect, but my voice against such donation thieves will remain equally strong,” he said.
The controversy stems from a satirical protest staged by INDIA bloc MPs during the Monsoon Session of Parliament on July 31. Demonstrating near the Makar Dwar, Opposition leaders protested against the BJP-led government over allegations of embezzlement of donations collected at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. As part of the demonstration, donation boxes were placed on the Parliament steps while Pappu Yadav, dressed as a priest, enacted a skit depicting the alleged siphoning of temple donations.
The BJP condemned the protest, accusing the Opposition of insulting Lord Ram, Sanatan Dharma and saffron robes. Opposition leaders, however, maintained that the skit was intended to raise questions over alleged financial irregularities in temple donations and demand accountability. The matter has also taken a legal turn. A complaint has been filed at Delhi’s Jahangirpuri police station against Pappu Yadav, alleging that the Parliament protest hurt Hindu religious sentiments.
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