Vikrant Shekhawat : Oct 17, 2024, 06:47 PM
Babulal Jandel: A controversial video of Congress MLA Babulal Jandel from Sheopur in Gwalior-Chambal region of Madhya Pradesh has caused a stir in the politics of the state. In this video, the MLA is seen using abusive words while taking the name of Lord Shiva, due to which a wave of protest has run across the state. After this controversy, protests have started by BJP and Hindu organizations across the state.Protest by BJP and Hindu organizationsIn protest against this incident, BJP Scheduled Caste Front workers burnt the effigy of MLA Babulal Jandel, while in Daulatganj, Gwalior, Hindu Mahasabha burnt an effigy outside the Shiva temple as a protest. The main reason for the protest is the MLA's remarks against Lord Shiva and its political implications.Seeing the seriousness of the matter, state minister Vishwas Sarang launched a scathing attack on the Congress. He said, "This is an old tradition of the Congress, where Sanatan Dharma and Hindu deities are insulted." Sarang targeted Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi and asked whether they would take any action against their MLA? He said that Congress has always been working against Sanatan Dharma.Congress's defenceCongress media cell president Mukesh Nayak reacted to the controversy and said that the video is old and is being highlighted by the BJP for political gains. Nayak said, "This video is about five years old, which was made as a joke and satire. Babulal Jandel himself has donated five acres of land for the temple of Lord Shankar and he himself is also the priest of that temple."Nayak accused the BJP and said that some BJP leaders have made this video public for electoral gains, so that it can be made an issue in the election environment.MLA Babulal Jandel's clarificationMLA Babulal Jandel gave clarification regarding this video and said that this video is a year old, and the comments made during the religious discussion have been presented in a distorted manner. He said that this video was made while explaining the definition of Shivling, which is being presented out of context. He said, "I am a Shiva devotee, and explain the importance of worshipping Lord Shiva. My intention was not to hurt anyone's religious sentiments."ConclusionThis controversy is rapidly gaining momentum in the midst of the election atmosphere in Madhya Pradesh. Both BJP and Congress have left no stone unturned to give a political color to this issue. While BJP is accusing Congress of being anti-religion regarding this video, Congress is washing its hands off the matter by calling it a political conspiracy. Now it remains to be seen what impact this controversy has on the upcoming elections, and whether Congress takes any action against its MLA.