PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar dismissed controversial preacher Dhirendra Shastriโs demands for making India an officially Hindu nation, cautioning him against stirring up religious sentiments. Interacting with journalists in Patna, the Janata Dal (United) leader expressed surprise at the notion of recognizing a state religion and emphasized the sanctity of the Indian Constitution.
โIt surprises us when people talk about changing the name of the country. Can anyone really do that? If someone is making such a demand, they are expressing their personal opinion, which holds no value. The country will function according to the Constitution,โ he said in response to journalistsโ questions regarding the call for a โHindu Rashtra.โ
Kumar asserted that every individual is entitled to practice their religion but should refrain from commenting on the practices of other religions. He also stressed the need to avoid unnecessary disputes and interference in personal matters.
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Kumar highlighted the collective consensus that shaped the countryโs Constitution and cautioned against entertaining any alterations to its fundamental principles. He also questioned the motives behind such discussions, stating, โThis propaganda is happening because people in Delhi have influence over the media nationwide. If the country has a name, can it be changed?โ
โThose who believe in any religion and worship accordingly should be allowed to do so. In this country, as many as seven religions are practiced. Everyone has the right to worship in their own way and work in their own way, and we have no objection to that. But there should be no disputes among ourselves,โ he emphasized.
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Reflecting on Indiaโs struggle for independence, Kumar asserted that those advocating for altering the nationโs identity were not born during that transformative period. Drawing on the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and the founding fathers of the nation, he affirmed that Biharโs development aligns with their principles.
Shastri, the head of Madhya Pradesh-based Bageshwar Dham, is holding a multi-day congregation in a remote village in the Patna district. Several BJP leaders, including Union ministers, have attended the gathering and sought the preacherโs blessings.
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Kumarโs deputy, Tejashwi Yadav, has refused to pay respects to Shastri, emphasizing that he is a public figure who attends events concerning public welfare rather than religious events.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh has questioned Kumar and Yadavโs decision not to attend the congregation, accusing them of discrimination against Hindus and favoring Muslims. โThey only appear at events filled with people wearing mesh caps (commonly worn by Muslims),โ he said a few days ago.
