Maulana Saif Abbas Slams Jagadguru Ramabhadracharya, Says Clerics Should Shed Religious Robes If They Enter Politics

Lucknow: Jagadguru Ramabhadracharya has once again found himself at the centre of controversy following his recent political remarks, drawing sharp criticism from Shia Markazi Chand Committee president Maulana Syed Saif Abbas Naqvi. The Maulana accused the Hindu religious leader of making divisive statements and misusing religious authority to pursue political agendas.

Reacting strongly to Ramabhadracharya’s demand for the removal of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi from the post of Leader of the Opposition, Maulana Saif Abbas said such political commentary was inappropriate for a religious figure. “If a religious leader wishes to engage in politics, they should remove their religious attire and wear khadi instead. Using religion as a cover for politics is unacceptable,” he said.

‘Religion Must Unite, Not Divide’

Maulana Saif Abbas emphasised that the primary responsibility of religious leaders is to promote harmony and social cohesion, not controversy. “Being religious means speaking in a way that unites society. Making political demands and targeting opposition leaders is politics, not religion,” he stated.

He further alleged that Ramabhadracharya’s remarks repeatedly fuel discord rather than dialogue. “His statements are not constructive; they deepen divisions. Saints and clerics should spread moral and spiritual values, not political narratives,” the Maulana added.

Pattern of Controversial Remarks

This is not the first time Jagadguru Ramabhadracharya has courted controversy. In the past, he has made several remarks that sparked public outrage. He had earlier advised Hindus to have three to four children and had described western Uttar Pradesh as resembling a “mini Pakistan,” comments that were widely criticised.

He had also targeted popular spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj, questioning his scholarship and challenging him to explain a Sanskrit verse to prove his spiritual authority.

Remarks on Shah Rukh Khan and Mamata Banerjee

Ramabhadracharya has also made contentious statements about Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, questioning the inclusion of Bangladeshi players in an IPL team at a time when, according to him, Hindus were facing persecution in Bangladesh.

Additionally, he had criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging that she was acting solely in favour of Muslims and was a Chief Minister only in name—remarks that further intensified political and communal debate.

Growing Debate Over Role of Religious Leaders

The latest controversy has reignited a broader debate over the role of religious leaders in political discourse. Critics argue that repeated political interventions by clerics risk blurring the line between faith and governance, potentially harming social harmony in an already polarised environment.