Political Storm in Badaun After BJP Leader Claims Kedarnath, Badrinath and Ram Temple Were Once Buddhist Monasteries

Badaun, Uttar Pradesh: A political controversy has erupted in Uttar Pradesh’s Badaun district after a video of BJP leader and Ujhani block pramukh Shishupal Singh Shakya went viral on social media. In the video, he is allegedly heard making controversial remarks claiming that revered Hindu pilgrimage sites such as Kedarnath, Badrinath and the Ram Temple in Ayodhya were originally Buddhist monasteries.

According to the viral clip, Shakya stated that these sites were initially Buddhist viharas, which were later converted into Hindu temples and subsequently transformed into mosques during periods of Muslim invasions. The remarks, reportedly made during a Buddha Katha programme in Vijaynagala village, triggered sharp reactions across political and religious circles.

Following the backlash, Shishupal Singh Shakya issued a clarification, asserting that his statement had been taken out of context and deliberately distorted. He said he was merely sharing his views on the life and philosophy of Lord Buddha, and that portions of his speech were selectively edited to create controversy.

Meanwhile, Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha’s Uttar Pradesh president Mukesh Patel strongly condemned the statement, calling it baseless and misleading. He said that India is the land of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna, and that temples have existed across the country for thousands of years. Patel demanded restraint and responsibility from public representatives while speaking on matters related to faith and history.

Political analysts believe that such remarks, linked to deeply held religious and historical beliefs, can damage the image of political parties and deepen social divisions. They have urged leaders across party lines to avoid making provocative and ill-informed statements on sensitive issues.

The incident has once again highlighted how controversial comments by public figures can quickly escalate into major political debates in the age of social media.