New Delhi, August 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Independent MP Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav, continued to face criticism on Saturday over his protest at the Parliament complex highlighting the alleged theft of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple, with Right-wing organisations staging demonstrations against him even as Opposition leaders defended his actions.
A day earlier, a complaint was lodged against the Purnia MP at Jahangirpuri Police Station in Delhi by petitioner Surya Maithil, alleging that Yadav hurt religious sentiments by dressing as a monk during the demonstration.
Reacting to the controversy, BJP spokesperson Guru Prakash described Yadav’s act as “condemnable and unfortunate” and criticised Opposition parties, including the Congress and the Samajwadi Party, for allegedly supporting the protest.
On the other hand, Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad defended Yadav, saying the demonstration did not insult religion but sought to highlight alleged irregularities related to temple donations.
Congress MP Tariq Anwar also backed the Independent MP, saying the protest was Yadav’s personal initiative and not organised by the Congress. He added that the demonstration succeeded in drawing public attention to the issue.
Meanwhile, members of the Vishwa Hindu Raksha Parishad (VHRP) held a protest in Lucknow’s Gomti Nagar area, burning an effigy of the MP and raising slogans accusing him of insulting Sanatan Dharma. Police personnel were deployed at the site, and a minor scuffle was reported during the protest.
VHRP National President Gopal Rai demanded strict action against Yadav and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to suspend him from Parliament over the incident.
Similar protests were also staged by Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya, head of Tapasvi Chhawani in Ayodhya, and members of the Sanatan Raksha Sangathan, who alleged that the Parliament protest had hurt religious sentiments and sought action against the MP.
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