Written appeal sent to all four Shankaracharyas, urging complete boycott of the preacher
JAMMU, Nov 4: Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), Jammu and Kashmir unit, has strongly condemned the controversial remarks made by preacher Dhirendra Shastri concerning the divine form of Lord Shri Krishna, his Tribhanga posture and the sacred land of Vrindavan. The party has submitted a written complaint to the SSP Jammu, demanding registration of an FIR against Shastri. It has also sent written appeals to all four Shankaracharyas, urging them to ensure his complete boycott and refrain from inviting him to any religious event.
Addressing a press conference today, State President Manish Sahni said that certain self-proclaimed custodians of religion have begun to consider themselves above God and religion. They believe that popularity and a large following give them the liberty to make objectionable remarks about revered deities and religious traditions, and that a mere apology before the camera can settle the matter. Religion is nobody’s personal domain, nor does it grant anyone a licence to hurt the sentiments of millions of devotees.
Sahni pointed out that this was not the first controversy involving Dhirendra Shastri. In 2023, his remarks concerning Sai Baba, the wife of Sant Tukaram and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had also triggered controversy, following which he had publicly expressed regret or apologised. Now, his objectionable comments on the divine form of Lord Krishna have once again raised serious concerns.
Shiv Sena J&K has sought strict legal action through its written complaint to the SSP Jammu. The party has also appealed to all four Shankaracharyas and the wider saint community, particularly saints from Dwarka, Mathura and Vrindavan, to completely boycott Shastri and not invite him to any religious ceremony, discourse or Sanatan festival.
Sahni asserted that those who insult Sanatan Dharma and its revered deities must be held accountable. A mere apology cannot absolve anyone of responsibility. On this occasion Raju Kapoor (co-chairman) , Aditya Mahajan ( vice president) , Viney Kumar (president Jammu youth) , Prince Kumar (Secretary) were President.