Ayodhya, September 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A fresh war of words has erupted between Hindu seers and All India Imam Association President Maulana Sajid Rashidi over remarks attributed to Bageshwar Dham head Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri concerning India’s cultural and religious identity.
Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya, Peethadhishwar of Tapasvi Chhawani in Ayodhya, backed Shastri’s remarks and called on followers of Sanatan Dharma to remain vigilant, while asserting that religious differences should not be allowed to undermine the country’s cultural identity.
The controversy followed remarks reportedly made by Shastri during a religious discourse in Kolkata. He was quoted as saying that India belongs to “Raghuvar” and Lord Ram rather than Akbar, while maintaining that the Quran and the Bible are respected in the country out of regard for humanity.
Shastri also reportedly said attempts to erase Indian culture in the name of promoting Christianity or Islam would not be acceptable.
Reacting to Rashidi’s reported criticism, Acharya alleged that the Imam Association chief had indicated that changes made according to “Raghuvar’s vision” could be altered when his preferred political leadership comes to power.
“The exchange is a warning sign for followers of Sanatan Dharma. There is a need to remain vigilant and formulate a strategy to protect the community’s cultural interests,” Acharya said, according to the statement.
“We are liberal and wish well for everyone, but we will not tolerate any challenge to our very existence,” he added.
The latest controversy comes amid a series of public exchanges between Rashidi and Shastri.
Earlier in August, Rashidi faced criticism over remarks concerning participants in the Kanwar Yatra. Reports said he referred to people allegedly involved in incidents of vandalism, attacks on police and other disorderly conduct as “terrorists” and “drug addicts”. Shastri subsequently objected to portraying the broader community of Kanwariyas in such terms, arguing that isolated incidents should not be used to label millions of devotees.
Rashidi had also faced criticism earlier this year over remarks that Hindu seers interpreted as threatening to the community. In May, several Ayodhya seers, including Acharya, condemned his comments concerning fear among Hindus and called for legal action.
Both the latest remarks and the earlier exchanges have intensified a broader debate over religious identity, cultural traditions and communal discourse in the country.
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