Shalabh Mani Tripathi, the legislator from UP’s Deoria, targets SP MLA Ravidas Malhotra over religious practices
Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – A fresh political row erupted in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Deoria, Shalabh Mani Tripathi, launched a scathing attack on Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Ravidas Malhotra. The controversy arose from Tripathi’s remarks during a media interaction in Sadal block, Deoria district, where he accused Malhotra of “cheating” Hinduism by offering namaz while wearing a skull cap.
The BJP legislator made these statements while attending the inauguration of an auditorium in his constituency. Speaking to reporters, Tripathi said, “Those who can betray Hinduism by wearing a cap and offering namaz are not even related to Muslims.” His comments were a direct jab at Malhotra, who had recently been seen participating in an iftar event and offering namaz, actions that Tripathi claimed were a betrayal of Hindu identity.
Tripathi’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions between the ruling BJP and the opposition SP in Uttar Pradesh. The Deoria MLA did not hold back in his criticism of the SP and the broader INDIA bloc, accusing them of glorifying Mughal rulers like Aurangzeb while disrespecting India’s historical figures. “SP MLAs insult our great freedom fighters like Rana Pratap and consider Aurangzeb a messiah,” he alleged. “We in the BJP are proud of Bajirao Peshwa, Rana Sanga, and Shivaji, who protected this nation. But they take pride in Babar and Aurangzeb.”
The MLA framed the issue as a question of loyalty, stating, “The public is now asking — who are the true loyalists of this country? Those who stand with Shivaji, Rana Sanga, and Bajirao Peshwa are the real patriots, not those who side with traitors.”
In contrast to his attack on the opposition, Tripathi highlighted the BJP’s commitment to development and public welfare. He praised the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, saying, “Under their guidance, we are working rapidly to improve infrastructure and uplift the poor. The BJP always talks about progress, unlike the SP, which is stuck in divisive politics.”
The immediate trigger for Tripathi’s outburst was Malhotra’s participation in an iftar gathering, a common practice during Ramadan, followed by offering namaz. While such interfaith gestures are not uncommon among politicians seeking to connect with diverse communities, Tripathi seized the opportunity to question Malhotra’s Hindu credentials. “Those who can wear a round cap and offer namaz are cheating in the name of Hindu religion,” he reiterated, escalating the rhetoric.
Malhotra has yet to respond officially to the allegations, but the SP is expected to counter Tripathi’s claims, potentially accusing the BJP of stoking communal tensions for political gain.
Tripathi’s statements have ignited a debate in Deoria and beyond. A local shopkeeper in Sadal block, Anil Kumar, expressed mixed feelings: “Politicians should focus on roads and jobs, not what someone wears or prays. But it’s true that some leaders play these games to confuse people.”
On the other hand, BJP supporter Rakesh Tiwari defended Tripathi, saying, “He’s just speaking the truth. If you’re a Hindu leader, why act otherwise? People see through this drama.”
The controversy has also drawn attention on social media, with posts on X reflecting a divided sentiment. Some users praised Tripathi for “calling out hypocrisy,” while others labelled his remarks as “divisive and unnecessary.”
This is not the first time Shalabh Mani Tripathi, a former journalist turned politician, has courted controversy with provocative statements. Known for his outspoken style, he has previously targeted opposition leaders and journalists, often framing his criticism in cultural or religious terms. His latest comments fit into a broader narrative pushed by some BJP leaders, contrasting their vision of nationalism with what they portray as the opposition’s “appeasement” politics.
