Swami Prasad Maurya Critiques Use of Religious Slogans to Divide Hindus and Muslims

Swami Prasad Maurya highlights the troubling trend of using religious slogans to incite division between Hindus and Muslims, warning against the rise of anarchy and discrimination in society.

Swami Prasad Maurya, who leads the Apni Janata Party and is a former cabinet minister in Uttar Pradesh, expressed concerns on Saturday. He stated that the slogan Jai Shri Ram is being misused by some individuals to justify chaos. Maurya highlighted that this slogan has turned into a tool for spreading disorder rather than promoting religious harmony.

Maurya criticised the misuse of religious slogans, saying, "Creating frenzy in the name of religion, discriminating between Hindus and Muslims, and engaging in cheap politics to divide the country in the name of Hindus and Muslims has become a hobby for people today." He emphasised that such actions are detrimental to societal unity.

Religious Slogans and Social Impact

Maurya further claimed that certain anarchist groups are targeting the Muslim community under the guise of religious slogans like Jai Shri Ram and Jai Bajrang Bali. He described incidents where these groups have disrupted peace by attacking places of worship and vandalising properties belonging to Muslims.

He elaborated on these actions, stating, "At some places, they reach the Eidgah with shovels and spades. At other places, they tear down and throw away religious flags from houses. Somewhere, they set fire to shops and homes belonging to the Muslim community." Maurya believes these acts betray their own principles.

Political Reactions to Maurya's Remarks

Responding to Maurya's comments, Uttar Pradesh Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh accused him of being anti-Sanatan. Singh suggested that Maurya's political influence has diminished, prompting him to make controversial statements for media attention. Singh remarked that Maurya frequently opposes Sanatan beliefs.

Singh criticised Maurya's stance by saying, "Maurya keeps making false statements on matters related to faith. He is a vehement opponent of Sanatan. He tries to make headlines from time to time by making such statements." Singh defended the religious significance of names like Shri Ram and Bajrang Bali.

Maurya urged people to avoid actions that tarnish religious values. He stated, "We believe that this is not religion; they are adopting the path of unrighteousness in the name of religion. People should refrain from such despicable acts." His remarks call for a return to genuine religious principles.

The ongoing debate highlights tensions between political figures over religious expressions. While Maurya criticises misuse of slogans for chaos, Singh defends traditional beliefs. This discourse reflects broader societal discussions on religion's role in public life.

With inputs from PTI