Bageshwar Dham’s Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, Members of Samajwadi Party (SP)
“The remarks have hurt religious sentiments,” the complainants said. SP Lohia Vahini district president Shashikant Gautam said Lord Krishna and Lord Ram are symbols of the faith of crores of people and of Indian culture. “Making objectionable remarks about their form and religious traditions from a public platform is extremely unfortunate,” he said.
The complaint refers to Shastri’s alleged comments on Lord Krishna’s flute-playing and standing posture, as well as a separate alleged statement on Lord Ram.
He added that freedom of expression cannot be a licence to hurt religious feelings, and that the police should examine the video in question and act according to the law if Shastri is found guilty. Former student union president Anuj Bhadana said India’s identity rests on brotherhood, religious harmony and respect for all faiths. He said derogatory remarks about the deities or symbols of any religion can create unnecessary tension in society, and that people in public life must maintain decorum in their language and statements.
He urged the police to take the matter seriously and ensure a fair investigation. Addressing the uproar, Shastri issued a statement apologizing to anyone who was offended. He clarified that his words were uttered out of pure emotional devotion (bhava) and were not intended to diminish or insult the deity.