New Delhi: Independent MP Pappu Yadav has broken his silence after a series of complaints were filed against him over a satirical skit staged outside Parliament on the alleged embezzlement of Ram Mandir donation funds.
Speaking to reporters, the Purnia MP questioned whether it was wrong to defend the sentiments of the Hindu community linked to the temple and to call out alleged misuse of temple money.
“Is it wrong to expose those looting Sanatan and temple funds and to fight against them? Is protecting temples wrong? Is safeguarding temple funds wrong? Is protecting the faith that a billion Indians have in temples wrong?” he said.
Addressing the backlash, Yadav said the criticism would not deter him. “No matter how much opposition we face, or even if we have to take a bullet, we will continue to fight. Let the BJP leaders say whatever they want, it makes no difference to us,” he added.
How The Controversy Started
The Opposition has been pressing the Union Home Minister Amit Shah for an explanation in Parliament since last week over the alleged use of force against students during the recent protests at Jantar Mantar, as reported by DNA.
On July 31, Opposition MPs staged a skit inside the Parliament complex using symbolic roles to draw attention to allegations around Ram Mandir donations, while raising slogans such as “Chanda chor, gaddi chhod,” “Jawab tumko dena hoga,” and “Amit Shah, sadan mein aao.”
Following the performance, an FIR was lodged in Varanasi seeking action against the leaders involved. A separate complaint was also filed against Pappu Yadav at Delhi’s Jahangirpuri police station by petitioner Surya Maithil.
Speaking to ANI, the complainant said, “We have lodged an FIR against Akhilesh Yadav, Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, Awadhesh Prasad, and Pappu Yadav today. We took this step because of the way Pappu Yadav has insulted Sanatan Dharma, the saffron attire, and the community of saints and seers.”
This besides, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj, along with other party MLAs, filed a formal police complaint in New Delhi, alleging that the Opposition leaders had outraged Hindu sentiments.
