Several activists and organisations demand the immediate arrest of the controversial priest
NEW DELHI — Strong Hindutva proponent and controversial mahant, Yati Narsinghanand, has once again sparked outrage by demanding that the country be declared a Hindu rashtra (nation). Speaking at a press conference in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar on Thursday, he called for a country where “not a single madrasa, mosque or Muslim” should exist.
Infamous for his repeated Islamophobic comments, Narsinghanand went as far as to say that the presence of Muslims in India must be ended. “Christians have hundreds of nations, Muslims also have their countries, but Hindus do not have even one nation of their own. We must create a Hindu nation where there will be no mosques, no madrasas, and no Muslims,” he said.
His statements, openly defying the constitution and the secular fabric of the country, have triggered widespread anger and condemnation, especially from Muslim organisations and community leaders.
During his press conference, Narsinghanand cited the recent political unrest in Nepal where government leaders were forced to flee after mass protests. He claimed that Hindu sentiments were crushed in Nepal, but now Hindus there have “woken up”.
He said, “Nepal will once again become a Hindu nation. Just as Hindus have risen in Nepal, Hindus in India must also rise to claim their own country.”
Prominent Muslim leaders have condemned Narsinghanand’s words as dangerous hate speech.
“Such poisonous language has no place in our country. It directly threatens our safety and unity,” said Mohammad Ahsan, a social activist in Uttar Pradesh. “The authorities must arrest him immediately before his words incite violence.”
Advocate Sameena Khan added, “Calling for the removal of an entire religious community is a direct attack on our constitutional values. It cannot be ignored. The government must take strict legal action.”
Community members have announced that they will be submitting formal complaints demanding his arrest under hate speech laws.
Narsinghanand has a long history of making offensive statements against the Muslim community and using derogatory words for Prophet Muhammad.
He has previously been jailed and faced court cases over his remarks, yet he continues to make inflammatory comments. Critics say his hate speech not only spreads fear among Indian Muslims but also damages the nation’s image internationally.
At the same press conference, Narsinghanand also insulted Hindu women, saying, “A Hindu woman who gives birth to only one son is like a serpent because she does not give her son a brother.”
This remark too has drawn criticism, with women’s rights activists calling it “deeply disrespectful and demeaning”.
Narsinghanand’s words have caused deep concern among Muslims, who say they feel increasingly unsafe.
“We are Indians just like everyone else. Our ancestors lived and died here. This is our home,” said Abdul Rahman, a teacher. “But people like Narsinghanand speak as if we are outsiders who should not exist.”
Many Muslim families have said they are now worried about the rise of open hate speech in public spaces without fear of punishment.
Muslim community leaders and several civil rights groups have urged the government to take immediate legal action against Narsinghanand to prevent communal tensions.
“If such speech goes unpunished, it encourages more hate,” said Shabana Begum, a human rights campaigner. “The government must show that India belongs to all its people, not just one religion.”
