NEW DELHI: Independent MP from Bihar’s Purnia constituency, Pappu Yadav, on Monday defended his participation in a protest inside the Parliament complex, questioning allegations that he had insulted sants or Sanatan Dharma by wearing saffron robes during a skit highlighting the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Speaking to IANS, Pappu Yadav said there was no basis for the accusations being levelled against him.
“Where is the insult here? I neither abused anyone nor spoke against anyone. I did not take the name of any sant, nor did I mention any political party. When I did not name the BJP or the RSS, what mistake has Pappu Yadav made? The entire Opposition is fighting against the government on various issues. What benefit will anyone gain by targeting a lone individual like Pappu Yadav?” he said.
The MP also stated that he had been facing threats and intimidation following the controversy.
“What conspiracy should I talk about? They are openly saying they will kill me. Two nights ago, there was an attack on a house where children were present. What conspiracy is there in this? Everything is happening openly. On all sides, some self-proclaimed sants and goons are saying, ‘Burn him.’ Would a genuine sant ever say such a thing? Just as attacks were made on Shankaracharyas in the past, similar attacks are being made now,” he told IANS.
Yadav further alleged that he had received threats from unknown individuals.
“I am receiving international calls threatening me with death. They are repeatedly saying that they will kill me,” he said.
The remarks come amid a growing political and legal controversy surrounding a skit staged by Opposition MPs on Friday in front of the Makar Dwar at the Parliament complex. The performance was intended to protest the alleged embezzlement of donations made to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
During the skit, Opposition MPs, including Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP), Rahul Gandhi and many others, were seen placing money into donation boxes. Pappu Yadav, dressed in saffron attire, symbolically put money into his pockets to depict the alleged theft of Ram Temple donations. Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad, who represents Faizabad (Ayodhya), also participated in the protest.
Following the demonstration, an FIR was registered on Saturday at the Kotwali Police Station in Varanasi against LoP Gandhi, Pappu Yadav and Awadhesh Prasad.
According to Varanasi Police, the complaint was filed by several seers who alleged that the skit had insulted Sanatan Dharma and hurt religious sentiments.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Kashi Zone) Gaurav Banswal said the FIR was registered under Sections 196, 299, 302 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The protest also triggered demonstrations by several Hindu organisations across different cities. In Bhopal, activists of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal raised slogans against LoP Gandhi and attempted to march from Vyapam Square to Link Road.
Police stopped the march at barricades, and brief scuffles broke out when some protesters attempted to cross the security cordon.
Meanwhile, in connection with an incident reported at Pappu Yadav’s residence on Sunday, Delhi Police have also registered an FIR. According to police sources, the case has been filed under Sections 221, 121(1), 132 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and further investigation is underway.
