A controversy has erupted in Ludhiana over remarks made by Bageshwar Dham chief Dhirendra Krishna Shastri during the ongoing Shri Hanumant Katha. Shastri spoke about drug abuse and religious conversion in Punjab, with some of his comments drawing strong objections from Ludhiana’s Shahi Imam Maulana Usman Rehmani Ludhianvi Sani.
The Shahi Imam has called for an emergency meeting and demanded that Shastri withdraw his remarks and publicly apologise. He also warned of legal action if the apology is not issued.
What Did Dhirendra Shastri Say?
During the religious gathering, Shastri said that two issues needed to be addressed in Punjab: drug abuse and religious conversion.
While speaking about conversions, he addressed the Sikh community and said that people who follow the Guru Granth Sahib should not be influenced to convert to another religion. He also said he would stand with Sikh people against religious conversion and that conversions would not be allowed in Punjab.
During the address, Shastri made a remark referring to turning a “bhaiya” into a “saiyan”, after which the controversy intensified.
According to reports of the event, Shastri also said he would not elaborate on the matter because he did not want an FIR to be filed against him.
Shastri later responded to allegations that his remarks were directed against Islam. He said he was not against any religion, faith or tradition and that his comments were directed at what he described as “orthodox” practices that could contribute to religious conversion or disturb the social atmosphere.
His stated objective, he said, was “jago aur jagao” (wake up and awaken others).
Shahi Imam Objects To Remarks
The Shahi Imam strongly objected to Shastri’s comments, saying he had no objection to anyone propagating their own religion. However, he said making objectionable remarks against another religion in the name of religious preaching was not acceptable.
“Punjab is the land of Guru Nanak Dev and Baba Farid. It has always given a message of love, brotherhood and religious harmony. In such a place, coming here and making remarks against any religion is unfortunate,” he said.
The Shahi Imam said people in Ludhiana respect all religions and have maintained communal harmony since Partition in 1947.
He also expressed displeasure over Shastri allegedly referring to people of Ludhiana as “pagal” (mad).
Questions Over Remarks About ‘Abdullah’
The Shahi Imam also questioned Shastri’s references to “Abdullah” in Dubai and Punjab.
He questioned why a Muslim in Dubai should be viewed differently from a Muslim living in Punjab, arguing that people should not be treated differently on the basis of their religion.
He also objected to comments attributed to Shastri about China, saying Ludhiana and India have significant business links with China and that such remarks should be made responsibly.
Shahi Imam Warns Of Police Complaint
The Shahi Imam has demanded that Shastri withdraw his remarks and issue a public apology. He said that if Shastri does not apologise, he will file a police complaint against him and the organisers of the Shri Hanumant Katha.
He has also proposed a meeting of representatives from different religious communities to discuss ways to strengthen religious harmony and social cohesion in Ludhiana.
Representatives from the Christian community have also expressed displeasure over the remarks and called for members of the community to come together.
