New Delhi, August 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Independent MP from Bihar’s Purnia constituency Pappu Yadav on Monday defended his participation in an Opposition protest inside the Parliament complex, rejecting allegations that his saffron attire during a symbolic skit amounted to an insult to saints or Sanatan Dharma.
The protest, staged on Friday near the Makar Dwar of Parliament, was organised by Opposition MPs over allegations of irregularities in donations made to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. During the performance, Yadav wore saffron clothes and symbolically put money into his pockets to represent the alleged misuse of donations.
Speaking to IANS, Yadav questioned the basis of the criticism against him and said he had neither targeted any individual nor made any remarks against any organisation.
“Where is the insult here? I neither abused anyone nor spoke against anyone. I did not take the name of any sant, nor did I mention any political party,” he said.
Yadav also claimed that he had received threats following the controversy, alleging that unknown callers had issued death threats against him. He said such intimidation was taking place openly and questioned whether those making such threats could be considered genuine religious figures.
The controversy intensified after an FIR was registered at Kotwali Police Station in Varanasi against Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Yadav and Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad over the skit.
According to Varanasi Police, the case was filed on the complaint of several seers who alleged that the performance hurt religious sentiments and insulted Sanatan Dharma. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Kashi Zone) Gaurav Banswal said the FIR was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The protest also triggered demonstrations by Hindu organisations in several places. In Bhopal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal activists held protests against Gandhi, with police intervening when some demonstrators attempted to cross barricades.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police have registered a separate FIR related to an incident reported at Yadav’s residence, with further investigation underway.
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