Dhirendra Shastri, the chief of Bageshwar Dham, has broken his silence regarding a controversy surrounding his use of a chartered aircraft for a recent visit to Chhattisgarh. Shastri addressed the issue during a religious event, asserting his rights as an Indian citizen. The controversy arose after reports indicated he was flown to Bhilai for a religious program on December 25th, a journey that sparked political debate. The Congress party criticized the alleged use of public funds for a private religious event, questioning the Chhattisgarh government’s actions. Shastri, while acknowledging the questions about his travel arrangements, pointed out that he is not a foreigner and should not be scrutinized for his mode of transportation. He highlighted the selective nature of criticism, contrasting it with individuals who engage in detrimental activities yet face no such scrutiny. Shastri emphasized his commitment to promoting Sanatan values, supporting healthcare initiatives, facilitating underprivileged marriages, and combating drug addiction, suggesting these positive contributions are being overshadowed by the debate over his travel. He expressed his desire to avoid further controversy and stated he holds no animosity towards his critics, while also thanking supporters and acknowledging the media’s role in public discourse.
