Bihar’s Education Minister, Chandrashekhar, has stirred controversy with his recent remarks, made during a Sri Krishna Janmashtami event, where he referred to Prophet Muhammad as a ‘Maryada Purushottam,’ a Sanskrit term meaning ‘the supreme man of honor and righteousness.’ The comments have led to a heated political debate, with some accusing the minister of demeaning Hindu deities and promoting religious bias.
Addressing a gathering in Nalanda’s Hilsa sub-division at the Baba Abhaynath Dham premises, Chandrashekhar said, “Evilness was increasing in the world, honesty was ending, numbers of cheaters and evil persons had increased… to bring honesty in the region of central Asia, the god had sent Maryada Purusotam Mohammad Saheb on the earth.”
The minister further elaborated on his remarks, drawing parallels between Prophet Muhammad and Lord Ram. He mentioned that Lord Ram was not pleased with the caste system and used the story of Lord Ram eating a pair of berries offered by Mata Sabri to emphasize that castes should not matter.
Chandrashekhar’s comments have drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. Nikhil Anand, the BJP OBC Morcha National General Secretary, accused the Education Minister of attempting to demean the sanctity of Lord Krishna during a Janmashtami program. Anand stated, “Chandrashekhar’s statement during the Janmashtami program will trigger controversy…”
Anand also criticized the opposition alliance, claiming they were attempting to “insult Hindu Sanatan Dharma” and appease their vote bank by making “pro-Islamic and pro-Pakistani” notions.
“Whatever the Education Minister Chandrashekhar is commenting against Hindu-Sanatan Dharma and using derogatory language for Lord Sri Ram and Lord Sri Krishna, it reflects the mentality of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Chandrashekhar’s statement during the Janmashtami programme will trigger controversy…,” Anand said.
“These days, the opposition alliance has started a campaign across the country on how to insult Hindu Sanatan Dharma and appease their vote bank by making pro-Islamic and pro-Pakistan notions. By questioning the very existence of Lord Sri Krishna, Chandrashekhar has insulted the Hindu Sanatan Dharma as well as the Yadav community,” he claimed.
“Chandrashekhar’s controversial statement is an integral part of RJD’s politics. If Chandrashekhar is so averse to Hindu Sanatan Dharma and cannot see the existence of Lord Sri Krishna in comparison to the existence of Mohammed Saheb, then he should wear a ‘Maulana’ cap, offer Namaz, get circumcised and go to Pakistan,” Anand added.
