NEW DELHI: Samajwadi Party leader Swami Prasad Maurya has courted controversy once again and this time he has said that Hinduism is not a religion but just a deception. In a video shared by news agency ANI, the Samajwadi Party leader cited RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Prime Minister Narendra Mmodi’s past remarks highlighting that there is no religion called Hindu but instead, it is a way of living.
“Hindu bus ek dhokha hai…RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat has said twice that there is no religion called Hindu but instead, it is a way of living. Prime Minister Modi has also said that there is no Hindu religion…Sentiments don’t get hurt when these people make such statements but if Swami Prasad Maurya says the same, it causes unrest…” Maurya was quoted as saying by ANI in a video.
#WATCH | Delhi: Samajwadi Party leader Swami Prasad Maurya says, “Hindu ek dhokha hai…RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat has said twice that there is no religion called Hindu but instead, it is a way of living. Prime Minister Modi has also said that there is no Hindu religion…Sentiments… pic.twitter.com/1qnULH1rqt
— ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2023
Samajwadi Party leader’s remarks have once ignited a heated discussion and prompted diverse reactions from various quarters.
Impact On the Hindu Community
Maurya’s statement challenges the core identity of the Hindu community, raising concerns about the potential repercussions on its members. Many individuals and religious leaders within the community have expressed their displeasure and condemned the assertion as misleading and disrespectful.
Debate Over Definition Of Religion
This incident has fueled a broader debate about the definition of religion and how different communities perceive and practice their faith. Scholars, theologians, and religious experts are engaging in discussions to dissect the implications of such statements on religious harmony and understanding.
Calls For Clarification and Apology
In response to the backlash, there are calls from the Hindu outfits demanding clarification on the intent behind the words. Additionally, some have demanded a public apology, citing the potential harm caused by such a sweeping declaration about a major religious tradition.