Sadhu community angered by Pappu’s stunt in Parliament complex
The Sunday Mail
New Delhi: The Sadhu community is furious over the drama enacted by MP Pappu Yadav in the Parliament complex on Friday, where he dressed in saffron robes to impersonate a Sadhu. Raising the issue of the theft at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, the Opposition supported Pappu Yadav—who was dressed as a Sadhu—and joined him in the act. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) condemned the “drama” staged by Independent MP Pappu Yadav and other opposition MPs—who were clad in saffron robes—to highlight the alleged theft of donations from the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya; the VHP claimed that this demonstration insulted Hindu religious sentiments.
Several prominent saints and office-bearers associated with the Ram Mandir and religious institutions in Ayodhya also criticized the protest, demanding the expulsion of the involved MPs and urging President Droupadi Murmu and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to revoke their membership. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi participated in the protest against the theft of donations. While protesting in front of the Makar Dwar (Capricorn Gate) of Parliament, the MPs chanted slogans such as “Chadhava Chor, Gaddi Chhod” (Thief of offerings, step down from power). The MPs placed a donation box on the steps of the Makar Dwar, and Independent MP Rajesh Ranjan—known as Pappu Yadav—sat beside it.
As part of the act, MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, deposited money into the box, while Yadav—dressed in saffron—put money into his own pocket to symbolize the alleged theft at the Ram Mandir. In a video statement, VHP International Joint General Secretary Surendra Jain alleged that Yadav (backed by the Congress), Gandhi, and other MPs from the Congress and Samajwadi Party staged an “obscene” protest by wearing the attire of Hindu saints. He appealed to the Lok Sabha Speaker to take strict action against the MPs. Jain stated, “The VHP is also considering legal action against them. We request the Lok Sabha Speaker to take the strictest possible action so that no one dares to insult Hindu faith in this manner.”
