New Delhi, Aug 3 (IANS) Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav on Monday said that Independent MP Pappu Yadav’s decision to dress as a saint during a protest over the alleged embezzlement of Ram Temple donations was inappropriate, as saints had no connection with the alleged theft. He further said that it was a wrong act.
His remarks come amid a political controversy surrounding a skit staged by opposition MPs inside the Parliament complex on Friday. The protest was held in front of the Makar Dwar to highlight allegations of irregularities related to donations made to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
During the demonstration, Pappu Yadav, dressed in saffron attire, participated alongside other opposition MPs. In the symbolic performance, MPs, including Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, placed money in donation boxes, while Pappu Yadav was seen putting money into his pockets to depict the alleged theft of temple donations. Pappu Yadav, whose real name is Rajesh Ranjan, represents Bihar’s Purnia constituency, while Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad represents Faizabad (Ayodhya) in Uttar Pradesh.
The skit later triggered a political storm, leading to the registration of an FIR in Varanasi against Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav and Awadhesh Prasad. The complaint alleged that the performance had hurt religious sentiments and insulted Sanatan Dharma.
Speaking to reporters, Ram Gopal Yadav said, “It was wrong because the saints had nothing to do with the alleged theft that took place in the Ram Temple. It was basically an incorrect act, and it should not have happened.”
At the same time, the senior Samajwadi Party leader stressed that concerns surrounding the Ram Temple donation issue must be addressed.
“Every issue has a solution if there is a willingness to find one. We will continue to raise the Ram Temple matter because it concerns crores of people. The issue is not confined to India alone. Devotees of Lord Ram and followers of Hinduism across the world contributed to the construction of the temple by donating money, jewellery, gold and silver. Naturally, any allegation related to the misuse of those contributions hurts their sentiments,” he said.
Reacting to the FIR against Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav and Awadhesh Prasad, Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav alleged that the legal action was an attempt to divert attention from the core issue.
“This is being done only to deflect attention. There is widespread disappointment with the government. The allegations regarding the land scam and the theft of donations linked to the Ram Janmabhoomi issue are serious, and the government must take responsibility,” she said.
Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad also questioned whether action would be taken against those accused in the alleged irregularities.
“What will happen to those who, while dressed as saints, are allegedly committing dacoity from within the Trust? Will there be any discussion about them? Others may call it theft, but I call it dacoity. Has anyone in saffron robes publicly acknowledged that such a theft took place? Pappu Yadav only highlighted the names that have already been mentioned in connection with these allegations,” Azad said.
–IANS
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