NEW DELHI: On Sunday, Congress leader Pawan Khera came to the defense of Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, following the registration of an FIR against him and several opposition MPs. The FIR is linked to a protest concerning the alleged misuse of donations collected for the Ram Temple. Khera criticized the BJP-led government for diverting focus from serious allegations while pursuing legal actions against opposition members.
Khera’s comments emerged after the Varanasi Police lodged an FIR against Rahul Gandhi, along with Pappu Yadav and Awadhesh Prasad. The complaint was submitted by a group of seers who took issue with a skit performed in the Parliament complex.
He stated, “FIRs are being filed on MPs, but the government forgets that when donations are stolen, it also hurts the sentiments of devotees.” This statement reflects a growing concern among opposition leaders that the government is prioritizing legal actions over significant disputes regarding temple funds.
Background of the Controversy
The protests, which took place inside Parliament, saw MP Pappu Yadav dressed as a temple priest. Other MPs participated in a symbolic act involving a donation box, alleging corruption regarding donations for the Ram Temple. The demonstration has led to reactions from BJP leaders, including Bansuri Swaraj, who filed complaints in Delhi, claiming that the opposition’s actions hurt Hindu sentiments.
In addition to the FIR registered in Varanasi, another complaint has been lodged against Pappu Yadav in Delhi. This series of events has heightened tensions between the opposition and the ruling party.
Delimitation Controversy
Khera further supported Rahul Gandhi’s recent opposition to the proposed Delimitation Bill, which could potentially diminish political representation for certain states. He stated, “All those who are concerned about their states should oppose delimitation.” This remark adds to the ongoing political discourse regarding the potential impact of delimitation.
During a visit to Tamil Nadu, Rahul Gandhi asserted that the delimitation process aims to undermine the state’s political power. He remarked, “There is an attempt by the BJP to carry out delimitation. Delimitation is designed to disenfranchise people and take away the political power of the people of Tamil Nadu. This is a BJP conspiracy… Anyone who supports delimitation is betraying Tamil Nadu, betraying the future of Tamil Nadu, and allowing the RSS and BJP to attack the people of Tamil Nadu and its future.”
Details on the FIR
The FIR in Varanasi was filed at the Kotwali police station after allegations from seers that the Parliament’s protest insulted their religious sentiments. The case has been initiated under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which includes clauses for promoting enmity between groups and deliberate acts aimed at outraging religious feelings.
Notably, the complaint was brought forward by Patalpuri Peethadhishwar Jagadguru Balak Devacharya, who criticized the actions of the opposition leaders as disrespectful to Sanatan traditions and Lord Ram. He specifically stated, “Pappu Yadav wore Bhagwa and posed as a sadhu while staging a drama on the Parliament premises to portray donation theft.” He cautioned that a coordinated attempt was made to mock Sanatan traditions and warned that protests would ensue if the matter was not promptly addressed.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that an investigation into the case has commenced.
