Criticism mounts as Bageshwar Dham’s head pushes for ‘Sanatan unity’ while offering divisive rhetoric
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — The ‘Sanatan Hindu Ekta Pad Yatra,’ led by Bageshwar Dham’s Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, has stirred significant debate as it traverses the heartlands of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The yatra, aimed at uniting Hindus under the banner of Sanatan Dharma, reached Jhansi on Monday, accompanied by Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, whose involvement has raised eyebrows.
While Pandit Shastri speaks of eradicating discrimination, his statements and actions suggest an agenda that could deepen religious polarisation. His remarks about “brainwashing” and “staunch Hindus” highlight the yatra’s underlying motive — bolstering Hindutva under the guise of promoting harmony.
In an exclusive interview with a national news channel, Pandit Shastri commented on the recent violence in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal, stating, “There should be no Hindu-Muslim in the country. No one has the right to take the law into their own hands.” While such statements appear conciliatory, his repeated calls for “Hindu unity” and references to targeting “converted Muslims” undermine these claims.
Shastri further declared, “We want to brainwash them in such a way that they do not change tomorrow.” Critics argue that such rhetoric contradicts the essence of unity and harmony, which should transcend religious lines.
Sanjay Dutt’s presence in the Padyatra has also sparked controversy. Questions about his involvement in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts resurfaced, along with allegations of Bollywood’s anti-Hindu narratives. However, Pandit Shastri defended Dutt, calling him “like family” and asserting, “Mistakes happen. He went to jail for his mistakes. Now, if Bollywood propagates Hindutva, it is the effect of this movement.”
Shastri’s remarks about accepting Bollywood stars and “converted Muslims” further highlight the selective inclusivity of his vision. Critics argue that his comments create a hierarchy of acceptability based on adherence to Sanatan values.
Muslim leaders and activists have expressed concern over the implications of the yatra. Many view it as a thinly veiled attempt to marginalise minorities while consolidating Hindu identity under Hindutva.
Ali Ahmed, a social activist, remarked, “Pandit Shastri’s words about eradicating discrimination ring hollow when he speaks of brainwashing and targeting Muslims. This is not unity; it is exclusionary politics dressed as religious reform.”
The offer to “converted Muslims” has also been criticised. Farzana Khan, a lawyer, noted, “Such statements only alienate the Muslim community further. It is an affront to the rich history of India’s pluralistic fabric.”
One of the yatra’s demands is the formation of a ‘Sanatan Board’ akin to the Waqf Board. Shastri stated, “If the rights of the Waqf Board are not taken away, we will push for the Sanatan Board. We are soldiers of Sanatan, not affiliated with any party.”
While he claims this initiative is for unity, the proposal raises concerns about the potential for further communal division. The call for Hindus to gather on Tuesdays and Saturdays, mirroring Friday prayers in Islam, also reflects a strategic effort to consolidate Hindu practices in opposition to Muslim traditions.
Shastri has repeatedly emphasised the need for Hindu unity to counter external threats, stating, “If we are divided on caste lines, China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh will divide us. The good of the country lies in unity.” However, many argue that his vision of unity excludes non-Hindus, perpetuating an “us vs. them” narrative.
Zubair Ansari, a historian, commented, “India’s strength has always been its diversity. This yatra seeks to homogenise Indian identity, which is a dangerous departure from our constitutional values.”
The Hindu Ekta Pad Yatra and its rhetoric come at a time when India grapples with increasing communal tensions. While Pandit Shastri’s message of eradicating untouchability and caste discrimination within Hinduism is commendable, his broader narrative alienates other communities.
For Muslims, these developments are yet another reminder of the growing challenges to their cultural and religious identity in the face of Hindutva politics. As the nation witnesses events like this yatra, the question remains: Will India choose unity in diversity or a divisive path of majoritarianism?
