The BJP on Wednesday accused the opposition Congress of harbouring an “urban naxal mindset” and “systematically insulting Hindu religion, beliefs and deities”. BJP MP and spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi cited a video of Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, allegedly discouraging children from saying ‘Radhe Radhe’, and Telangana CM Revanth Reddy’s remarks on the number of Hindu gods to make the claim.
Addressing media persons, Trivedi alleged that Reddy made “derogatory and offensive” comments about Hindu deities, which were “unacceptable” and “deeply hurtful to religious sentiments”. He also referred to Reddy’s earlier remarks “supporting” the Muslim community, saying, “We have no problem with your wholehearted support for the Muslim community. But abusing the Hindu gods and goddesses is intolerable.”
“Why one Congress Chief Minister was insulting Hindu deities, while another (Sukhu) appeared to discourage children from using traditional greetings…One of your alliance partners, the DMK, held a structured conference on the Eradication of Sanatana Dharma. It was not a mere statement but a well-planned, well-thought-out academic conference,” he said.
Addressing newly appointed District Congress Committee (DCC) chiefs and senior leaders on Tuesday, Reddy reportedly said that Hindu dharma accommodates nearly three crore deities, with a god for every occasion and every situation. “How many gods are there for Hindus? Three crores? There is Hanuman for those who are not married. There is another god for those who marry twice. There is one god for those who drink alcohol; there are people who offer alcohol and chicken to Yellamma, Pochamma, Maisamma…There are local deities where toddy and non-vegetarian food are served during certain events and there are gods worshipped by those who eat ‘dal rice’ (vegetarians),” he was quoted as saying.