Raipur
Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel has accused self-styled godman Dhirendra Krishna Shastri of using religious events to collect money. Speaking at a public gathering, Baghel alleged that Shastri is acting as an agent for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Baghel challenged the preacher to a debate on scriptures with any monk or saint from Chhattisgarh. “I have been reciting the Hanuman Chalisa since before Dhirendra Shastri was born. He is just a child who is trying to teach us Sanatan Dharma,” Baghel said. He further questioned the “divine courts (divya darbar)” held by Shastri, asking why the government needs to open medical colleges if people are being cured through such events.
The former chief minister also claimed that Hindu identity was never under threat in India, even during the rule of Mughals and Sultans. He alleged that preachers like Shastri and Pandit Pradip Mishra are spreading superstition.
Responding to these remarks, Dhirendra Shastri suggested that those who consider uniting the Hindu community as superstition should leave the country. The BJP also countered Baghel’s statements, claiming he lacked historical knowledge and was “anti-Sanatan.”
Hindus were safe during Mughal rule: TS Singh Deo
Joining the debate in Bhilai, former deputy chief minister TS Singh Deo stated that there is no historical evidence of systematic suppression of Hindus during the Mughal era. Singh Deo, who belongs to the Sarguja royal family, noted that his ancestors’ princely state remained secure during that period.
“I have completed my MA in History and studied the subject deeply. There is no solid evidence to show that Mughal rulers carried out planned or widespread atrocities against Hindus based on religion,” Singh Deo said. He added that rulers in ancient and medieval India were limited in number and built mutual relations to govern.
BJP labels Congress anti-Sanatan
BJP MP Santosh Pandey dismissed Singh Deo’s remarks, calling him a person who spreads confusion. Pandey reminded the public of Singh Deo’s previous questioning of Covid-19 vaccines and accused the Congress party of practicing appeasement politics.
These statements follow a state-level conference held in Durg on 22 December 2025 by the SC, ST, and OBC Joint Front. During the event, Baghel had claimed that the BJP and RSS use the fear of “Hindus being in danger” to win elections. He remarked that modern preachers have shifted from spiritual teachings to promoting “totkas” (rituals/tricks), leading to increased superstition in society.
