Government Aircraft, Police Salute, and a Call for Scriptural Debate: Dhirendra Shastri’s Five Controversial Days in Chhattisgarh

Raipur: Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri’s five-day visit to Chhattisgarh for the Hanumant Katha turned into a political and ideological flashpoint, drawing sharp reactions from the opposition and reigniting debates on faith, state support, and religious influence. From traveling in a government aircraft to a police salute and outspoken remarks on religious conversion, the Bageshwar Dham chief remained at the center of controversy throughout his stay.

The Hanumant Katha, held at Jayanti Stadium in Bhilai from December 25 to 29, concluded on Sunday amid heightened political tension. Addressing the gathering on the final day, Shastri responded to criticism over his travel in a government plane, stating that responsibility lies with those who arranged it, not with someone who was invited. “If people who loot the country can move freely, why should someone working to revive Sanatan values, build cancer hospitals, arrange marriages for daughters, and help people quit addiction be questioned for traveling by air?” he asked.

Faith, Belief, and Allegations of Blind Faith

Shastri also addressed accusations of promoting superstition through his ‘darbar’. Drawing a comparison, he remarked that while some label his practices as blind faith, similar acts like lighting candles or offering cloth at religious places are widely accepted as belief. His comments triggered mixed reactions both among devotees and critics.

Remarks on Religious Conversion

On the issue of religious conversion, Shastri took a firm stance, alleging that innocent Hindus are being lured into changing their religion through inducements and deception. He said those who prefer other faiths should relocate rather than “disturb” people in their own country, adding that hostility towards Hindus remains difficult to understand.

Police Salute Sparks Debate

Responding to criticism over a police officer removing his cap and bowing before him during the event, Shastri defended the act, saying that a uniform does not erase personal faith. “If someone bows to their parents or guru, what is wrong with that?” he asked, mocking his critics for politicizing the gesture.

Bhupesh Baghel’s Sharp Counterattack

Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel launched a scathing attack on Shastri, accusing him of misusing government resources and demanding that religious preachers stop collecting donations. Speaking in Bilaspur, Baghel said the BJP government could honor Shastri as it pleased, but had no right to misuse public funds for religious figures.

Baghel also criticized Shastri’s remarks against journalists and referred to several controversial videos linked to him, including alleged objectionable comments about Lord Ram. Terming Shastri a “BJP agent,” Baghel strongly objected to his statement suggesting that critics should leave the country.

Challenge for Scriptural Debate

Escalating the confrontation, Baghel challenged Shastri to engage in a shastrarth (scriptural debate) with Chhattisgarh’s respected saints and scholars. “Let him stop collecting donations and continue preaching as much as he wants,” Baghel said, extending the same demand to another prominent कथावाचक, Pradeep Mishra.

As religious discourse increasingly intersects with politics, Dhirendra Shastri’s Chhattisgarh visit has once again highlighted the deepening divide between faith-driven mass influence and constitutional accountability—an issue likely to resonate far beyond the state.