Despite being denied permission for the event in Haridwar, another gathering took place on December 20, where similar inflammatory rhetoric was once again echoed. The said event, organized by Yati Narasinghanand, was marked by a series of hate speeches that incited violence and targeted the Muslim community. Narasinghanand, known for his controversial rhetoric, repeated inflammatory statements calling for the creation of a Hindu-only nation, free of Muslims, mosques, and madrasas. Other speakers at the event, including right-wing figures, made similarly provocative remarks, with one monk calling for violent actions against those perceived as enemies of Hindus and accusing Muslims of being responsible for the destruction of Hindu temples. The speeches included calls to pick up arms in defence of Hinduism and incited hostility towards Muslims, with derogatory language and references to historical grievances. These hate-filled statements not only sought to provoke religious tensions but also called for physical violence against those who did not conform to the speakers’ vision of a Hindu nation.

At the same event, as per ABPLive, Narasinghanand has announced plans to move the ‘Dharma Sansad’ to the Prayagraj Kumbh.

The court proceedings- Supreme Court and High Court

High Court: Prior to an event in Haridwar where dog-whistling against Muslims reportedly occurred, the Uttarakhand High Court had issued a crucial directive on December 20. Justice Alok Kumar Verma, presiding over a single bench, instructed the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Haridwar to ensure law and order in response to a proposed ‘Dharma Sansad’ organised by the controversial priest Yati Narsinghanand. The event had aimed to rally Hindu organisations and advocate for the establishment of a Hindu Rashtra. The court also reiterated the Supreme Court’s directions in Shaheen Abdullah v. State, emphasising that state authorities must act suo-motu to address any hate speech targeting religious communities, even without formal complaints.

Supreme Court: On December 19, the Supreme Court declined to entertain a contempt petition against the Uttar Pradesh government and police for allegedly failing to prevent the ‘Dharam Sansad’ organized by Yati Narasinghanand in Ghaziabad from December 17 to 21. Narasinghanand, known for his history of making communal remarks targeting Muslims, was the central figure behind the event. However, the Court directed the Uttar Pradesh authorities to take all necessary measures to prevent any hate speeches during the event.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar emphasised the need for the state to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court’s previous directions concerning hate speech prevention. CJI Khanna instructed that the event should be monitored and recordings of the proceedings be made, stressing that the Court’s decision not to entertain the petition did not imply any tolerance for violations.

When the petitioners, including former civil servants and activists, pointed out that the event’s promotional materials contained hate speech against Muslims and incited violence, CJI Khanna suggested that the petitioners approach the High Court, as the Supreme Court typically refrains from being the first point of contact in such matters. He also noted that if violations occurred, bail cancellation could be sought for Narasinghanand, who is out on bail in several hate speech cases. The Court reiterated its earlier orders for district officers to ensure all precautionary measures were taken to prevent any violations of its directives.

Detailed piece regarding the said petition can be read here.

Hate mongering by Yati Narsinghanand

On December 20, after being denied administrative permission to hold a ‘Dharma Sansad’ in Haridwar, he shifted the event’s focus to conducting a Mahayagya at the Sripanchdashnam Juna Akhara headquarters. During this ritual, he called for the “destruction” of individuals who had hindered the original programme. Addressing a gathering of followers, he declared, “The biggest reason for the misery of us Hindus is that we do not have a country of our own,” reiterating his demand for a Hindu Rashtra. Narsinghanand further unveiled his vision of a “Sanatan Vedic Nation,” one that, according to him, would have “no room for a single mosque, a single madrasa, or a single jihadi.” Drawing a comparison with Israel’s protective stance towards Jews, he claimed that such a nation would serve as a global guardian for Hindus.

In addition to this, a widely circulated video shows him addressing an audience alongside other right-wing figures, where he issued a veiled threat against AIMIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi. Referring to Owaisi’s 2012 speech in Telangana, in which Owaisi controversially stated that “if the police were to be removed for 15 minutes, the Muslim community could show its strength,” Narsinghanand declared: “If the police move away for 15 minutes, this person asking and lecturing for time will not survive.” The statement drew cheers and chants of “Har Har Mahadev” from the audience. He went on to pledge his family’s complete dedication, even to the point of sacrifice, for the cause of “Sanatan Dharma.”

At the World’s Religion Parliament in #Haridwar on December 20, 2024, controversial #Hindutva monk #YatiNarsinghanandGiri made a provocative statement, saying, “If the police moves away for 15 minutes, this person asking for time will not survive.” pic.twitter.com/trOsjvgtMV

— Hate Detector (@HateDetectors) December 22, 2024

Narsinghanand’s comments, filled with communal overtones, reflect a persistent pattern of dog-whistling and explicit incitement against Muslims. By invoking the idea of a Hindu Rashtra devoid of diversity and issuing veiled threats of violence, he continues to fan the flames of communal division. These events highlight the unchecked rise of far-right narratives, raising concerns about the absence of strong legal action against such blatant hate speech. The lack of accountability not only emboldens such figures but also poses a grave risk to social harmony and the secular fabric of the nation.

A deep dive into Yati Narsinghanand’s history of spreading hate may be read here.

The CJP video may be viewed here.

Other hate speeches delivered

At the said event in Haridwar, several other speakers joined Yati Narsinghanand in delivering speeches laced with communal rhetoric and expressing grievances over the authorities’ actions against the event. The details are as follows:

Shrimahant Raju Das: Raju Das of Ayodhya’s Hanuman Garhi delivered an instigatory speech expressing outrage over the cancellation of the Vishwa Dharma Sansad by the authorities. He criticised the actions of the police and district officials, describing their intervention as the “height of insult” to Sanatan Dharma. According to Raju Das, the decision to halt the event, which was organised to highlight alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, demonstrated blatant disrespect towards Hindu religious practices and beliefs.

He accused the officials involved of behaving autocratically and called upon Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to intervene in the matter. Raju Das demanded that action be taken against what he termed “shameless officials” who disrupted the religious gathering. “Entering the headquarters of Sripanchdashnam Juna Akhara and stalling the Vishwa Dharma Sansad shows that now Sanatan Dharma has become a subject of joke for the officials,” he stated. His remarks suggested that the authorities’ actions were not merely administrative decisions but part of a larger pattern of undermining Hindu traditions and leadership.

Raju Das further framed the cancellation as a deliberate affront to the dignity of Hindu religious institutions, amplifying the grievances of the attendees and organisers. His rhetoric, steeped in the language of victimhood and religious insult, sought to rally support against what he portrayed as systemic disrespect for Sanatan Dharma by state officials. This sentiment resonated strongly with the audience, who viewed the disruption as an attack on their religious and cultural identity.

Unidentified monk: Video of an unidentified monk has also surfaced from the said event, where he has made comments that are deeply, concerning and reflect a blatant incitement to violence, hate, and religious intolerance. The speech, filled with derogatory language and dangerous rhetoric, targets Muslims and secular Hindus while calling for violent actions to “protect” Hindus from alleged threats. It attacks individuals and groups based on their religion, denigrates Muslims in particular, and glorifies the idea of violence as a form of self-defence for Hindus.

In one section, the monk lashes out at BJP ministers for not reacting strongly enough in Parliament, accusing them of being passive while Hinduism is allegedly attacked. He uses inflammatory language to suggest that Hindu ministers should resort to physical violence against their political opponents, specifically targeting a person referred to as “the son of Sonia,” presumably a reference to Rahul Gandhi. This rhetoric escalates by suggesting that Hindu ministers should “tear apart” their opponents in Parliament, a call to violent action that could undermine public trust in democratic processes.

The monk continues by declaring that Hindus have become “secular” and have lost their historical and religious significance, positioning them as victims of a perceived rise in Islamic power. His remarks paint a picture of Hindus as under siege and calls for an armed response against Muslims, suggesting that Hindus should “pick up arms” to defend themselves, their families, and their property.

Other parts of his speech contain discriminatory and violent language, referring to Muslims using dehumanizing terms such as “children of demons” and calling for the prevention of Azaan and Muslim events in mosques or madrasas. He makes inflammatory comparisons between Muslims and pigs, calling them undeserving of living in India, which is not only deeply offensive but also further fuels religious intolerance and division.

Such speech is dangerous and contributes to an atmosphere of hate and distrust between communities. It is crucial for legal and social systems to respond to such hate speech promptly, holding individuals accountable for statements that incite violence and undermine the principles of pluralism and coexistence that are foundational to a democratic society.

Transcription of the speech:

“In the parliament, the son of Sonia has been punching at nationalist ministers. Now tell me, you (BJP) have so many ministers present in the parliament, why did you not crush him there and then? They have attacked Hindus. It is so sad when we see him calling Hindus as violent while the Hindu ministers sit and watch. They should take the name of Mahadev and tear him apart in the Parliament itself.”

“Hindus are stupid. We see our God and Goddesses taking up weapons, but we have become secular Hindus and have lost everything. There used to be a time when our Sanatana Dharma was everywhere in the world, and there used to be no Father or Chaddar. But we have lost it all and the situation is such now that we are a minority in 9 states. They are the children of demons; they won’t leave us.”

“The way these Islamists are finishing those who are non-Muslims, it is high time that we pick up arms and be alarmed of their actions. Who will protect you? Now it is your time to pick up the arms and protect you children, your shops and houses, your family and future.”

“I want to urge the PM and the Union HM to ensure that no Azaan or any Muslim event takes place in any Madrasa or Mosque.”

In Maharashtra, there live some children on pigs, and then there are some Sanatanis present there who conquer over then and wave the flags of Sanatan.”

“There is this big monster in front of us who is planning to eradicate humanity, as they have done in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria. But I feel pain when yeh sab bh***o ke bache, yeh nalayak baap ki aulaad, s**r ke bache say that Hindu-Muslims are brothers. Are h*******n, nalayakon, those who could not be the brothers of their own sisters and cannot be brothers to Shias if they are Sunnis, how will they be our brothers?”

“There was an issue in a village where a s**r (slur for Muslims) was looting a cycle. When he was caught, the seculars wanted to leave him. But I am not a secular, I would have (makes gesture for taking out a sword and slaughtering) done it and taken the name of our Gods.”

“In India, we cannot have children of pigs living in India.”

Kalicharan Maharaj: Kalicharan Maharaj made controversial remarks in which he compared the teachings of Islam and Hinduism regarding war. He claimed that Muslims are taught that engaging in war would earn them women in heaven. In contrast, he referred to the Bhagavad Gita, suggesting that Hindus are taught that fighting to protect their religion will bring them God’s favour. However, he criticised Hindus for not following this principle, accusing them of being passive and failing to act when needed. He argued that those who do not follow God’s commands will not receive divine assistance in times of need. To underline his point, Kalicharan Maharaj referenced historical events, stating that when Muslims destroyed 500,000 Hindu temples, no divine intervention occurred, implying that the lack of action from Hindus led to this absence of divine help.

Transcription of the speech:

“They are told that if they indulge in war, they will get women in heaven. We are taught through Bhagwat Gita that if we indulge in war for protecting our religion, we will get God. But we do not follow the teachings of our Gods, and rather sit ideally. And those who do not follow the orders of God, the God will also not come to save them when they require it. History has seen it that when these Muslims demolished 5 lakh temples, no God came out.”

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The post Hate speech and calls for violence at Yati Narsinghanand’s Mahayagya event– A push for a Hindu Rashtra amidst dog whistling against Muslims appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The Supreme Court had earlier directed authorities to take immediate action against such hate speeches and events, even if no formal complaint was made. However, despite clear announcements about the “Dharam Sansad” and its harmful content being shared publicly, the authorities have failed to act. This petition calls for the Court to intervene and ensure that the law is enforced, so as to prevent any further spread of hate and violence.

Not only through legal means, many religious organisations have also condemned the scheduled event. The Satya Dharam Samvad (SDS), a collective of 62 prominent Hindu Acharyas, has also spoken against the divisive nature of the proposed “Dharam Sansad,” calling for its rejection and emphasising the need for unity, tolerance, and interfaith dialogue. In a statement, they expressed concern over the misuse of religion to incite hatred and violence, reaffirming that Hinduism, with its core principles of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) and Sarva Dharma Sambhava (equal respect for all religions), stands for peace, acceptance, and harmony.

Satya Dharam Samvad condemns the “Dharam Sansad” and calls for unity

The Satya Dharam Samvad (SDS), an organisation of Hindu Acharyas, has called upon Hindu religious leaders and organisations to reject the divisive “Dharam Sansad” proposed by the Yati Narsinghanand Foundation, scheduled to take place from Tuesday to Saturday at the Shiv-Shakti temple complex in Ghaziabad’s Dasna. In a joint statement signed by 62 Acharyas, including prominent figures like Swami Raghavendra, Acharya Bajrang, Mahant, Prof. Anantanand Rambachan, Ashok Maharaj Kamble, and Ashok Sangpa, the SDS emphasised the importance of promoting unity, tolerance, and dialogue over hatred and division.

The statement expressed deep concern over the increasing misuse of religion to spread violence and discord, urging a return to the foundational values of Hinduism – Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) and Sarva Dharma Sambhava (equal respect for all religions). It affirmed that Hinduism has always stood for peace, acceptance, and harmony, rejecting caste-based divisions and any form of oppression. True spirituality, the signatories asserted, lies in recognising the divine presence in all beings and fostering mutual respect.

The SDS also criticised the “World Religion Convention” and the provocative speeches targeting specific faiths that are being promoted as part of the upcoming event. These actions, they argued, are a departure from the true essence of Sanatan Dharma, undermining its spiritual sanctity while threatening the harmony of the nation. The statement firmly condemned words or actions that promote hatred, disrespect other religions, or incite violence, calling such behaviour completely at odds with Hindu principles.

Calling for interfaith understanding and peaceful coexistence, the SDS urged religious leaders to oppose the exploitation of religion for political or divisive purposes. They also called on the authorities to take accountability and ensure that religion is not misused to fuel division. The signatories appealed for unity, urging Hindus and people of all faiths to come together with kindness and mutual respect, recognising that India’s true strength lies in its diversity and shared harmony.

The press release may be read here.

Details of the petition

Background: The petition had been filed before the Supreme Court of India under Article 129 of the Constitution, read with Section 12 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. The petition arises from the deliberate and wilful disobedience of two specific orders passed by the Supreme Court: the order dated October 21, 2022 in Shaheen Abdulla v. Union of India & Ors. (W.P. (C) No. 940/2022) and the order dated April 28, 2023 in Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay v. Union of India & Ors. (W.P. (C) No. 943/2021). These orders had directed state authorities to take suo- motu action against hate speech or activities that attract offences under Sections 153A, 153B, 295A, and 505 of the erstwhile Indian Penal Code (IPC), even in the absence of formal complaints. The orders further clarified that any hesitation or delay in complying with these directions would amount to contempt of court.

The petition states that despite these explicit directives, the petition highlights that the authorities in Uttar Pradesh, including the Commissioner of Police, District Magistrate, and Director General of Police, have failed to act against an upcoming event titled “Dharam Sansad,” scheduled to take place from December 17 to 21 at Shiv Shakti Dham, Dasna, Ghaziabad. The event, organised by the Yati Narsinghanand Saraswati Foundation, has been widely publicised through a website titled worldreligiousconvention.org. The website and the event itself are rooted in incendiary, communal content that openly propagates hate against the Muslim community, posing a direct threat to constitutional values of secularism and fraternity. The contempt petition seeks immediate judicial intervention to prevent this event and hold the respondents accountable for their failure to comply with the Supreme Court’s earlier orders.

The content of the event and its communal nature: The petition brings to the Court’s attention the blatantly inflammatory and communal nature of the content being disseminated through the website promoting the “Dharam Sansad” event. The petition provides that the mission statement of the event openly declares:

“The World Religious Parliament is a meaningful initiative to warn the whole world about the danger of Islam and it is an effort to bring together every Non-Muslim of all over the countries.”

Further, the petition also provides the vision statement that outlines an explicit and dangerous agenda:

“Our goal is to free the entire world from Islamic Jihad. This is our specific goal and to achieve this goal, we will take all possible steps.”

In addition to the website’s content, the petition underscores that provocative and hateful language has been used in public speeches made by the event organisers, event as the announcement of the Dharam Sansad was being made. As per the petition, Yati Ramswaroopanand, one of the key figures associated with the event, delivered a speech in Dehradun on September 10, 2024, describing Muslims as “not human” and calling for Uttarakhand to be made “Islam mukt.” He further urged Hindus to “keep good weapons and learn how to use them.” The petition provides supporting material, including transcripts, screenshots, and reports, to substantiate these claims.

The petition emphasises that the dissemination of such incendiary content and the planned congregation of individuals with a documented history of hate speech is not only a violation of Sections 153A, 153B, 295A, and 505 of the IPC but also strikes at the core of India’s constitutional values of secularism, harmony, and fraternity.

Track record of violence and state inaction: The contempt petition goes beyond the immediate concern of the “Dharam Sansad” and highlights the troubling track record of the individuals involved in organising and promoting the event. Individuals like Yati Narsinghanand and Yati Ramswaroopanand have repeatedly made provocative speeches inciting communal violence. For instance:

• In October 2024, Darshan Bharati, another organiser of the “Dharam Sansad,” instigated a violent rally in Uttarkashi, where stones were thrown at the police, injuring 27 people, including police personnel.
• In September 2024, a speech delivered by Yati Narsinghanand in western Uttar Pradesh, against Prophet Mohammad, led to mass protests and violence in the region.
• In 2023, in Purola, Uttarkashi, a false “love jihad” narrative was used to incite violence, leading to attacks on Muslim-owned shops and the forced displacement of Muslim families. Subsequent court findings revealed that the case was fabricated, yet no action was taken against the instigators.

The petition highlights that despite a well-documented history of hate speech and communal violence directly linked to these individuals, the state authorities have failed to take preventive action or register FIRs, as mandated by the Supreme Court. This consistent inaction emboldens the organisers and poses an imminent threat to communal harmony in the region.

The petition argues that the respondents’ failure to act constitutes not just a dereliction of duty but a wilful disobedience of the Supreme Court’s orders. By ignoring repeated provocations and open announcements of such events, the state authorities are in clear contempt of court.

Legal basis and prayer for relief: The petition places heavy reliance on two recent judgments of the Supreme Court to strengthen its legal argument. In Chaduranga Kanthraj URS v. P. Ravi Kumar (2024), the Court clarified that wilful disobedience—deliberate and intentional disregard of court orders—constitutes civil contempt. Similarly, in Celir LLP v. Sumati Prasad Bafna (2024), the Court expanded the scope of contempt, holding that any act intended to undermine the judicial process also falls within its ambit. The petition argues that the respondents’ failure to prevent the “Dharam Sansad” event, despite its provocative and unconstitutional nature, directly undermines the Court’s authority and frustrates its earlier orders.

The petition concludes with the following prayers:

1. To initiate contempt proceedings against the respondents for their deliberate non-compliance with the Supreme Court’s orders dated October 12, 2022 and April 28, 2023.
2. To issue immediate directions to the respondents to take legal action against the organisers, speakers, and promoters of the “Dharam Sansad” event. This includes issuing prohibitory orders to prevent the event from taking place and registering FIRs against those involved.
3. To pass any other relief that the Court may deem necessary to uphold its authority, safeguard public order, and protect constitutional values.

The petition emphasises that the Court’s intervention is not only necessary to address the specific case of non-compliance but also to reaffirm the rule of law and the constitutional mandate of secularism and fraternity. By allowing such events to proceed unchecked, the respondents are enabling the erosion of these values and endangering communal harmony across the nation. The petition, therefore, calls upon the Court to take strong and decisive action to ensure compliance with its earlier orders and prevent further escalation of hate speech and violence.

A detailed report on the widespread opposition that the Dharam Sansad is facing can be read here.

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The petitioners, a group of former civil servants and activists, have highlighted that the event’s website and promotional materials are riddled with inflammatory content, openly calling for violence against followers of Islam. They have accused the Ghaziabad District Administration and Uttar Pradesh Police of failing to implement the Supreme Court’s clear directives to take suo-moto action against hate speech.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioners, urgently mentioned the matter before Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, seeking immediate intervention as the event is set to commence tomorrow. However, the Chief Justice directed Bhushan to file a formal urgency application, leaving precious little time for any concrete action to prevent this hate-filled gathering.

The petitioners include notable figures such as Aruna Roy (Retd IAS), Ashok Kumar Sharma, Deb Mukarji, and Navrekha Sharma (Retd IFS), along with Syeda Hameed, former NCW Chief, and Vijayan MJ, a social researcher. These individuals have consistently spoken against the rising tide of communal violence and the growing impunity of hate-mongers like Narsinghanand.

It is worth recalling that the ‘Dharam Sansad’ events held by Narsinghanand in 2021 sparked national outrage due to their explicit calls for genocide against Muslims. Despite his arrest for hate speech and his subsequent release on bail, Narsinghanand has continued to spew communal poison without restraint. Shockingly, even the Supreme Court’s notice to him in a criminal contempt case for his derogatory remarks against the judiciary has done little to curb his hateful tirades.

The state’s apparent refusal to act in the face of such blatant incitement raises troubling questions: Is the administration complicit in enabling hate speech? Or has the law been reduced to a mere spectator, powerless against the rise of hate-driven extremism? With the Dharam Sansad on the horizon, the consequences of this inaction could be catastrophic.

It is essential to provide here that sources from the ground have told SabrangIndia that the Utar Pradesh police has issued a letter that Dharam Sansad has not been granted permission. It is pursuant to the same that Yati Narsinghanand had announced they are moving the event to Haridwar. However, the Source has told the SabrangIndia team that the Haridwar police has also issued a letter stating that they have denied the permission, but the organisers of the event are threatening to go ahead.

Hate speech marks the announcement of controversial ‘Dharm Sansad’ in Uttarakhand

On September 10, 2024, Yati Ramswaroopanand, a close associate and follower of the infamous Yati Narsinghanand, delivered a deeply disturbing hate speech at the Dehradun Press Club. The event, ostensibly organised for “Sanatani Hindus,” became a platform for Ramswaroopanand to spew venomous and dehumanising rhetoric against Muslims, where he shockingly announced the upcoming ‘Dharm Sansad,’ scheduled for December. This announcement, made against a backdrop of vile and divisive commentary, exemplifies the dangerous intersection of hate speech and communal mobilisation in India.

During his speech, Ramswaroopanand labelled Muslims as “not human” and called for stripping them of their rights, openly dehumanising an entire community. He incited fear with baseless and grotesque claims, alleging that Muslims in Bangladesh had “raped, cut into pieces, and eaten” women. He used this fabricated narrative to argue that Uttarakhand was on the verge of becoming a “second Bangladesh,” stoking communal tensions with deliberate misinformation. The seer even urged Hindus to “arm themselves” under the pretext of protecting their families, a call that dangerously borders on incitement to violence. (Detailed report may be read here.)

In his inflammatory speech, Ramswaroopanand claimed that Muslims were increasing their population to create new countries, while Hindus were being rendered “impotent” and helpless. He pledged to use the December ‘Vishwa Dharma Sansad’ to strategise ways to make Uttarakhand “Islam-mukt” (free of Islam), directly advocating for communal exclusion and hatred.

A video of the said speech may be referred here:

The event, promoted as a gathering for “Sanatani Hindus,” was widely publicised on social media. Videos of Ramswaroopanand’s speech, which included phrases like “Every person reading and believing the Quran becomes a terrorist,” went viral, sparking outrage and concern. The Dalanwala police registered a suo motu FIR under sections 196 (promoting enmity) and 353 (public mischief) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Dehradun SSP Ajai Singh cited Supreme Court guidelines requiring immediate action against hate speech, but beyond the FIR, no substantive steps have been taken to hold the speaker accountable.

This event is particularly alarming because the announcement of the ‘Dharm Sansad’—an event already under scrutiny for its history of incendiary rhetoric—was made at a venue where hate speech was not only delivered but celebrated. Ramswaroopanand’s remarks mirror the toxic legacy of his mentor, Yati Narsinghanand, who has a long history of using platforms like the ‘Dharam Sansad’ to spread communal hatred.

Notably, Narsinghanand himself is the key organiser of this upcoming ‘Dharam Sansad.’ Despite being out on bail with explicit conditions prohibiting him from making hate speeches, he continues to flout the law with impunity. On September 29, 2024, he had delivered another inflammatory speech in Ghaziabad, which led to violence. Yet, the Uttar Pradesh police have failed to seek the cancellation of his bail, enabling him to orchestrate yet another divisive event.

This pattern of impunity has drawn sharp criticism from civil society. An open letter by former civil servants and activists, including Aruna Roy, Ashok Kumar Sharma, and Syeda Hameed, lambasted the authorities for failing to enforce the Supreme Court’s directives on hate speech. The letter called out the administration for allowing events like the ‘Dharm Sansad’ to proceed, despite their clear potential to incite violence and disrupt communal harmony.

The stakes are high as the ‘Dharam Sansad’ approaches. Ramswaroopanand and other organisers have continued their campaign of provocation, even presenting blood-written letters to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami in November, demanding the state be declared “jihad-free.” This dramatic and deeply unsettling act underscores the audacity of these hate-mongers and the complicity of those who enable their actions.

The announcement of the ‘Dharm Sansad’ at an event laced with hate speech is a stark reminder of the growing normalisation of communal hatred in India. The failure to act decisively against figures like Ramswaroopanand and Narsinghanand sends a dangerous message: hate speech and calls for violence can be delivered without fear of consequences. With the event just days away, the question remains—will the state and law enforcement finally act, or will this disturbing cycle of hate continue unchecked?

Opposition to the upcoming Dharam Sansad

1. Civil Society groups demand action against upcoming ‘Dharam Sansad’: In a strong show of resistance, over 65 organisations and 190 civil society activists from 22 states have addressed an open letter to the President of India, urging the immediate cancellation of a ‘Dharam Sansad’ planned from December 19 in Uttar Pradesh. Organised by notorious Hindutva leaders, including Yati Narsinghanand—who has repeatedly been accused of delivering hate speeches and inciting violence—the event has sparked nationwide concern over its potential to stoke communal tensions.

The letter highlights the unchecked actions of Hindutva figures like Narsinghanand, Rakesh Tomar, and Darshan Bharati, who, despite facing multiple charges for hate speech and direct violations of bail conditions, continue to operate with impunity. “No action is being taken against these individuals despite their history of incitement to violence and their blatant defiance of court orders,” the letter states, underlining the grave inaction by law enforcement agencies and the state governments.

The signatories caution against the planned ‘Dharam Sansad,’ warning that it involves individuals with records of violence and hate crimes. They also raise alarm over the involvement of “national and international elements” linked to such crimes. The letter asserts, “A group of people already charged with multiple offences, whose activities have drawn national and international condemnation, is planning a public gathering in western Uttar Pradesh with the explicit intent to propagate hate and division.”

Representatives from prominent organisations such as the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), All India Progressive Women’s Association (AIPWA), Ambedkar Students Forum, Bharat Jodo Abhiyan, and Bebak Collective are among the signatories. These groups have consistently worked to uphold constitutional values and fight against communal violence.

The letter makes urgent demands, including:

• Immediate cancellation of the ‘Dharam Sansad.’
• Prevention of international participants linked to hate crimes from entering India for the event.
• Legal action by the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments to revoke the bail granted to Yati Narsinghanand and others in violation of their bail conditions.
• Enforcement of Supreme Court orders to prosecute hate speech and protect minorities from targeted attacks.
• Compensation for victims, especially minorities, who have suffered violence as a result of hate speech and inflammatory events.

The civil society members emphasise that the union Government and the state administrations have a constitutional duty to act against hate crimes and uphold public order. They argue that failing to prevent this gathering will further embolden individuals already responsible for communal disharmony and violence.

The letter ends with a plea for accountability: “We urge the government to comply with the law, safeguard minorities, and ensure that such divisive and inflammatory programmes are not allowed to threaten the secular fabric of our country.”

This urgent appeal underscores the growing frustration among civil society groups over the unchecked rise of hate speech and violence in India and their determination to confront this disturbing trend through collective action.

2. Former civil servants urge Union HM Amit Shah to intervene against communal events in Uttarakhand: Over eight dozen former civil servants have written an open letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding immediate action to prevent the planned Mahapanchayat in Uttarkashi on November 4, 2024, and the Dharma Sansad scheduled for December. These events, organised by figures like Yati Narsinghanand, have been condemned for spreading hate and inciting violence against minorities. The signatories, part of the Constitutional Conduct Group (CCG), have expressed grave concern over the inaction of the Uttarakhand police in addressing violations of bail conditions by Narsinghanand and others, despite their repeated use of incendiary rhetoric to foment communal unrest. They argue that Narsinghanand, in particular, should be arrested under the National Security Act (NSA) for attempting to disrupt public order.

The letter underscores a troubling shift in Uttarakhand, a state once celebrated for its peace and pluralism, which is now being transformed into a breeding ground for communal hatred. The former civil servants highlighted what they called a “wilful injection of communal poison” into the state’s social fabric, driven by majoritarian forces seeking to create an aggressive and militarised version of Hindutva. These efforts, they argue, are aimed at forcing minorities to live in perpetual fear while promoting a narrative of Hindu supremacy. The letter calls this strategy a template for spreading similar campaigns across other regions that have thus far resisted such divisive politics.

The former bureaucrats sharply criticised the authorities’ failure to act against hate speech and violence, despite clear Supreme Court directives mandating legal accountability. They also expressed dismay at the lack of action against repeated bail violations by individuals like Narsinghanand, who has continued to organise events aimed at inciting communal violence. The signatories demanded that both the Mahapanchayat and Dharma Sansad be immediately cancelled, and that the police take strict legal action against all those involved in promoting hate and inciting violence. They further urged the Union government to ensure accountability from the Uttarakhand police, insisting that the state’s law enforcement agencies must act in accordance with constitutional principles and judicial mandates.

In their appeal, the signatories expressed no political affiliation, stating that their concern is solely for the preservation of peace and harmony in Uttarakhand. They warned that failing to act decisively against such events would irreversibly damage the state’s legacy of coexistence and turn it into yet another battleground for communal conflict. Through this letter, the CCG has once again called attention to the escalating threat of communal polarisation in India and the urgent need for firm government intervention to uphold the nation’s secular values.

The letter may be read here.

3. Ayodhya’s Mahant Ram Das appeals to State and Union Governments to deny permission for Yati’s event: Mahant Ram Das, a prominent religious leader from Ayodhya, has appealed to both the State and Central Governments to withhold permission for the controversial World Religious Convention scheduled to take place at Dasna, Ghaziabad, organised by Yati Narsinghanand. Known for his inflammatory rhetoric and involvement in communal hate speech, Narsinghanand’s event has raised serious concerns regarding the potential for further incitement to violence and communal unrest. In his appeal, Ram Das emphasised the need to uphold public order and prevent any event that could disrupt the peace and harmony of the region, urging the authorities to take a firm stance against such divisive gatherings.

The social media post may be accessed below:

The controversial rise of the ‘Dharma Sansad’ and Yati Narsinghanand’s hate speech

A Dharma Sansad, or “Religious Parliament,” is traditionally a platform for Hindu religious leaders, or Sants, to deliberate on issues they deem important to Hindu dharma and make decisions regarding religious matters. The first Dharma Sansad was convened by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) in 1984 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, where a pivotal decision was made to launch the Ramjanmabhoomi movement, igniting one of the most contentious religious and political struggles in India’s history that led to violence and encouraged divisions. Subsequent Dharma Sansads were held in various parts of the country, with the VHP’s margadarshak mandal (a body of 65 prominent Sants) at the helm of these events. These sansads began to focus on a wide range of issues concerning Hindu identity and unity, often invoking deep religious sentiments and ideologies rooted in the belief of Hindu cultural and religious supremacy.

In the 1985 Dharma Sansad held in Udupi, for instance, resolutions were passed demanding that important religious sites, such as Shri Ramjanmabhoomi, Shri Krishnajanmasthan, and the Kashi Vishwanath temple, be immediately handed over to the Hindu community. These resolutions set the stage for a series of confrontations that would come to define the religious and political landscape of India for decades, where foundation for religious attacks against religious places and Hindu majoritarianism would be set. Since then, the VHP has organised 17 such sansads, where religious leaders gather to guide the Hindu community on matters of faith, spirituality, and social cohesion. However, the nature of these events has changed over time, especially as they have become increasingly intertwined with the rise of Hindutva politics.

In recent years, the tone has shifted towards a more aggressive and exclusionary rhetoric. The last Dharma Sansad in Haridwar in 2019 demanded the freeing of Hindu temples from government control, and it was held against the backdrop of rising tensions between different religious communities in India. These events, however, started taking a more radical turn with the controversial Dharma Sansad held in Haridwar in December 2021, a shocking turning point in the nature of these gatherings. Over the course of three days, prominent Hindutva figures, hard-line religious leaders, and right-wing activists delivered speeches urging violence against Muslims and calling for a complete annihilation of the Muslim community. The event, which attracted national attention, also saw the participation of BJP leaders like Ashwini Upadhyay, whose involvement in previous events calling for violence against Muslims had already raised alarm.

The Haridwar Dharma Sansad became infamous for the volume of hate speech that was broadcast publicly. Among the most vocal speakers was Yati Narsinghanand, notorious for his incendiary remarks and hate-driven rhetoric. During the event, Narsinghanand, alongside other prominent speakers, incited violent action, calling for genocide and openly threatening the Muslim community. Video footage from the event, including a disturbing clip showing Narsinghanand threatening police officers during the arrest of Jitendra Narayan Tyagi (formerly Wasim Rizvi), further highlighted the dangerously inflammatory nature of the gathering. In the video, Narsinghanand can be heard telling the police, “Tum sab maroge” (“You will all die”), showcasing his disregard for public order and law enforcement.

Despite the gravity of the situation, the legal response was slow. The police only filed an FIR on December 23, and Tyagi was arrested on January 13, 2022, for his inflammatory remarks at the event. Narsinghanand was arrested a few days later, but received bail on February 7, 2022, despite his history of hate speech and his violation of bail conditions. His bail conditions required him not to repeat the same offences or participate in any events that could stir communal disharmony. Yet, just months after his release, Narsinghanand continued his hate-driven activism, making further derogatory and harmful remarks about Muslims.

In September 2024, Narsinghanand stirred controversy once again during an event in Ghaziabad, where he called for the burning of effigies of Prophet Muhammad instead of Ravana during Dussehra. His provocative speech incited widespread anger within the Muslim community, triggering mass protests across multiple cities, including Kashmir, Saharanpur, Aligarh, Meerut, Ghaziabad, and Hyderabad. Protesters demanded Narsinghanand’s immediate arrest, accusing him of inciting violence and spreading communal hatred. His inflammatory rhetoric also included references to Muslim workers infiltrating Hindu homes, accusing them of targeting Hindu women. This baseless and harmful accusation further fuelled tensions, as it played into already existing stereotypes and prejudices, creating a sense of fear and division.

The protests across the country are a direct response to Narsinghanand’s repeated violations of the law and his role in inciting hatred and violence. While Narsinghanand continues to enjoy significant support within certain Hindutva circles, his actions have clearly crossed the line into criminal behaviour. However, despite the widespread public outcry, authorities have failed to take firm action against him, allowing him to continue stoking communal tensions.

In November 2024, CJP had released a chilling investigative video exposing the dangerous rise of hate in India. It goes beyond individuals like Yati Narsinghanand to uncover the deeper ecosystem that fuels their venom. Hindutva organisations, social media platforms like Meta, and government inaction—this is the unholy nexus enabling hate to thrive unchecked. Through shocking footage, incendiary speeches, and in-depth analysis, the video reveals alarming patterns of violence against Muslims and other minorities. Yet, amidst the despair, CJP stands firm—fighting legal battles, documenting hate crimes, and holding perpetrators accountable. If the government won’t act, civil society must rise. But how long can this burden fall on the people? How much longer will justice remain a distant dream?

The CJP video may be viewed here.

A deep dive into Yati Narsinghanand’s history of spreading hate may be read here.

Related:

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UP government’s ‘naming and shaming’ tactic: A repeat of constitutional defiance

The post Fierce backlash grows against Yati Narsinghanand’s Dharam Sansad as fears of incitement to violence escalate; plea moved in SC appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The police Thursday booked the controversial #Hindu priest #YatiNarsinghanandSaraswati for #HateSpeech against #ProphetMuhammad delivered at #HindiBhawan in #Ghaziabad’s #LohiaNagar on 29 September.

An FIR was registered under section 302 (hurting someone’s religious feelings)… pic.twitter.com/wVoh28gh6Q

— Hate Detector (@HateDetectors) October 4, 2024

The speech was delivered at an event organised by the Major Ashram Vyag Seva Sansthan at the Dasna Devi Temple, where Yati Narsinghanand serves as head priest. A video of his remarks quickly went viral on social media, provoking widespread outrage. Media reports thereafter have indicated that he was detained by the Ghaziabad Police for making derogatory comments about Prophet Muhammad. However, this detention appeared to be a protective measure rather than an arrest, as there has been no confirmation of any FIR filed against him in connection with his remarks, nor has he been presented before a court nor arrested. This raises concerns about the nature of his detention.

The police’s provision of protection to Yati Narsinghanand under the guise of detention raises significant concern. Despite reports of his detention, his unclear whereabouts suggest that he is being shielded rather than held accountable by the authorities of the UP police. Amid discussions on social media regarding Narsinghanand’s whereabouts, Surendra Nath Tiwari, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) stated that no arrest or detention related to the incident had been made as of late Saturday night (October 5). This clarification from the DCP came in response to rumours circulating about Narsinghanand’s detention, as reported by the Hindustan Times.

What’s striking is that despite multiple FIRs across the country and protests against Yati’s hate speech, no serious penal action has been taken against him or his supporters, who continue to propagate his divisive rhetoric on social media. In sharp contrast, the police have arrested six persons for allegedly pelting stones at police personnel near the Dasna Devi temple in Ghaziabad during the protest against the Yati’s derogatory remark.

Yati Narsinghanand, labelled a serial hate offender, remains free under the BJP rule, raising serious questions about both the union and state government’s partisan approach while dealing with incidents of hate speech. The BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh government, led by Yogi Adityanath, has faced intense criticism for its inaction despite Narsinghanand’s repeated inflammatory remarks targeting the Muslim community. His derogatory comments about Prophet Muhammad and Islam have sparked widespread protests, yet authorities have failed to hold him accountable or pursue meaningful legal action against him. Furthermore, he has not faced prosecution from the BJP-ruled Uttarakhand government for organizing the controversial Dharam Sansad in December 2021 in Haridwar, where he openly called for genocide against Muslims.

Multiple FIRs registered against Yati Narsinghanand for his remark against Prophet

Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh

The Ghaziabad, Sihani Gate Police Station filed a suo-moto FIR on October 3, 2024, booking Narsinghanand for his derogatory remark and hate speech delivered at the Hindi Bhawan, Lohia Nagar in Ghaziabad district. An FIR was registered under section 302 (hurting someone’s religious feelings) of the BNS based on a complaint by police sub-inspector Trivendra Singh Singh. “We have not arrested him yet,” said Sachin Kumar, Station House Officer, Sihani Gate Police Station, adding the police have taken cognisance of a video of the alleged hate speech that has since gone viral. Police also registered a suo moto FIR at Wave City police station over the protest on October 4, against 100-150 unidentified persons.

According to Hindustan Times, “about 100-150 persons gathered outside the Dasna Devi temple and were raising slogans against the remarks made against Muhammad Paigamber Sahab. When stopped, they resorted to stone-pelting and prevented discharge of official duties,” the FIR stated.

Thane, Maharashtra

An FIR against Yati registered in Maharashtra’s Thane district over his inflammatory remark against Prophet Muhammad. The FIR has been registered based on the complaint by the president of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI). The FIR has been lodged under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Sections 196 (promoting enmity between different groups, and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony), 197 (imputations and assertions prejudicial to national integration), 299 (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) and 302 (intentionally uttering words to deliberately wound the religious sentiments of another person).

Hyderabad, Telangana

On October 6, 2024, the Hyderabad Police registered an FIR against Yati Narsinghanand, following a complaint lodged by the Hyderabad MP and AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi over his derogatory remark on Prophet Muhammad. The FIR was booked by the Cyber Crime police station of the city police under relevant provisions of the IT Act and the BNS.

Yati Narsinghanand disappeared after remark: Police’s crackdown on Protesters

Following the speech, the derogatory subject sparked a mass protest and filing of multiple FIRs against serial hate offender Yati Narsinghanand’s derogatory remark against prophet Muhammad in Ghaziabad, tensions escalated in Sheikhpura Kadeem village, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday, October 6, 2024, following alleged defamatory remarks by priest Yati Narsinghanand about Prophet Muhammad. As per reports, alleged stone-pelting from protesters, prompted police to use mild force to disperse the crowd. Additional police units were deployed to maintain law and order in the village. Approximately 1,500 residents submitted a memorandum at the Kotwali Dehat police station in response to the controversial comments targeting Islam and the Muslim community. Although the police accepted the memorandum in the village, some individuals attempted to reach the police post, but were intercepted by authorities.

According to The Print, the police in Saharanpur district have arrested 13 persons in connection with stone pelting at Sheikhpura police post during a protest against controversial priest Yati Narsinghanand’s remarks on Prophet Muhammad.

On October 8, 2024, in a retaliation action against the protesters who were protesting against Yati’s remark, 15 protesters were held in Meerut for ‘unauthorized’ protest against Yati Narsinghanad. As per a report in the Deccan Herald, Meerut Police on Tuesday arrested 15 people for leading an unauthorised protest against controversial priest Yati Narsinghanand in the Mundali area of Meerut, a day after their demonstration, officials said. 

The detailed piece on the protest may be read here.

Journalist booked for exposing hate: questions on Police neutrality

An FIR has been filed against Mohammed Zubair, co-founder of Alt News, for provoking violence against Yati Narsinghanand. The Complaint against Zubair is based on a complaint made by Narsinghanand’s aide, Udita Tyagi, General Secretary of Yati Narsinghanand Saraswati Foundation. In her complaint she alleged that Zubair posted an old video of Narsinghanand on October 3, 2024 to provoke violence against him (Yati). 

According to Sabrang India, the FIR was filed two days after protests against Narsinghanand for making anti-Islamic comments against Prophet Mohammad had taken place at the Dasna temple, where Narsinghanand serves as the head priest. Tyagi, in her complaint, had accused Zubair of sharing edited video clips of Narsinghanand’s speeches on social media, allegedly to provoke violence by Muslims against the priest. She claimed that Zubair posted a video from an old program of Narsinghanand on October 3, which, she said, was aimed at stirring unrest. According to Tyagi, Zubair’s posts on October 4 and 5 escalated tensions and nearly led to an attack on the Dasna temple. Tyagi also stated that she was present with Narsinghanand at the temple during the alleged attack and that they barely escaped due to police intervention. It is to be noted that a total of ten people have been arrested by the police after the protest allegedly turned violent.

The stark contrast in police action towards Muhammad Zubair and Yati Narsinghanand reveals a troubling bias within law enforcement in Uttar Pradesh. While Zubair faces harsh scrutiny and potential legal repercussions, Narsinghanand continues to operate freely despite multiple FIRs against him for inciting hate and violence. This disparity raises serious concerns about the protection offered to hate speakers under the BJP-led government, suggesting a troubling trend of selective enforcement.

Hate Offender Profile: Yati Narsinghanand

Born Deepak Tyagi, Yati Narsinghanand claims to have an MTech degree in Chemical Engineering, from what was then known as the Moscow Institute of Chemical Machine Building. Once he completed his course he worked as an engineer, headed marketing teams at several companies in the Russian capital as well as in London. After nine years abroad, he returned to India in 1997 and has been with the Dasna Devi temple situated in Ghaziabad for over a decade as head priest and actively working for his divisive agenda. In 2020, Narsinghanand’s followers brutally assaulted a 14- year-old Muslim boy who was drinking water from the Dasna temple premises in Uttar Pradesh. After the incident, a large board was put up at the entrance of the temple stating “Ye Mandir Hinduon Ka Pavitra Sthal Hai. Yahan Musalmano Ka Pravesh Varjit Hai” (This temple is holy for Hindus, the entry of Muslims is strictly forbidden, as per instructions by Narsinghanand Saraswati). 

Image Courtesy: BBC

In 2021, he was appointed as the Mahamandaleshwar of the Juna Akhara, which is believed to be the most important among the 13 Akharas (monastery), of Hindu monastic orders, in the country. 

Narsinghanand engages in daily content creation to connect with his followers through provocative statements and misleading narratives. Although he lacks a personal page on Meta (Facebook), his supporters maintain a robust presence through fan pages. These pages frequently feature narratives portraying Muslims as involved in various forms of jihad, amplifying divisive themes and fostering an environment of contention. Narsinghanand’s approach highlights the power of social media in shaping discourse and influencing public perception, as his supporters actively propagate these hate-ridden ideas to a wider audience. 

In 2019, a Facebook live video of Yati Narsinghanand shared by BJP supporter Hanuman Singh Rajpurohit on October 19, 2019, garnered a staggering 32 million views. In this video, Narsinghanand openly declared, “I hate Islam and I want to eliminate Islam from the face of the Earth,” making incendiary remarks against Muslims while rallying a cheering crowd. The video was subsequently removed by Meta (Facebook) for violating community guidelines after several complaints were filed including the first one by Citizens for Justice and Peace against his video. On March 10, 2021, CJP filed a complaint with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Ministry of Minority Affairs the Yati Narsinghanand’s inflammatory and anti-minority speech. CJP is actively working to curb hate-ridden and divisive agendas of such individuals and organisations like Yati Narsinghanand through its tireless efforts.

For example, on July 11, 2021, CJP approached the National Commission for Minorities (NCM), to take cognisance of the vile and anti-minority statements made by one Vikas Sehrawat alias Malik Sehrawat, who is also a disciple of the priest, Yati Narsinghanand Saraswati. CJP has reported on a video uploaded by Vikas on his Facebook page on April 11, 2021, one day after he was released from jail on bail for uploading an incendiary video against politician Alka Lamba and calling for violence against Muslims in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. In the video uploaded on April 11, he abused the Aam Aadmi Party leader Amanatullah Khan and NDTV’s renowned journalist Ravish Kumar. In response, NCM issued notice to the DIG Meerut on CJP’s complaint against Yati Narsinghanand’s follower and directed to Meerut’s Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) to file a detailed report within 15 days.

While continuing the combat against the hate-ridden communal agendas of Yati Narsinghanad and his followers, CJP in November 2021, approached the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) once again against two of his followers, Suresh Rajput and Rahul Sharma who during a live session on Facebook made a series of vile and hateful statements about the women who held the internationally documented anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protest at Shaheen Bagh.

On August 11, 2021, Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) strongly presented its case before the Chairperson, National Commission for Minorities, against Yati Narsinghanand’s derogatory statements about workers like plumbers, electricians, delivery boys, vegetable vendors who are Muslims, who enter Hindu homes for work, befriend Hindu women who then fall prey to the ‘Jihadis’. The complaint has highlighted how such statements tend to not only create a prejudice against honest, hardworking people from the Muslim community who might be working as plumbers, electricians etc. but also has the distinct possibility – given the political and social capital enjoyed by the speaker – to cause prejudice and adversely affect their livelihood. CJP urged the NCM to initiate a suo moto Inquiry/Investigation against Yati Narsinghanad’s hateful speech targeting the Muslim Community and inciting Hindus.

In September, 2022, in an event organised by the Hindu Mahasabha in Aligarh (UP), while referring to Aligarh as the place from where the “seed of India’s partition” was sown, Yati Narsinghanand exhorted that the Aligarh Muslim University should be demolished using bombs. Through his devastating remark he exhorted that AMU should be blown up with gunpowder, while making provocative statements saying that we should practice the policy of China and send the students of the madrassas to detention camps.

In line with forwarding hateful propagandas and divisive ideology, Yati Narsinghanand on April 3, 2023 was present at an event of “Hindu Jagruti Sammelan”, organised by the right-wing extremist outfits in New Delhi’s Holiday Inn in the presence of many police officers, where many serial hate offender including Yati Narsinghanand made deliberate attempts to spread hate and enmity against Islam. Yati Narsinghanand exhorted through his speech that “Now has come the time to unite the entire world against Islam and its jihad.” He maligned the Islamic Faith while saying that “We have to take over the temple in Mecca as well where Mahadev’s Ganga flows as Zamzam (river). He then went on to call the supposed temple in Mecca as “Mecceshwar Mahadev”. 

On June 18, 2023, he sparked outrage and tensions again with his inflammatory speech against Muslims in Dasna, Uttar Pradesh. As the organizer of the infamous December 2021 Haridwar ‘Dharam Sansad’, he’s consistently spread anti-Muslim hate, advocating for genocide and violence in Uttar Pradesh and across the country. This self-proclaimed Hindu leader openly supports harmful acts against Indian Muslims, aiming to create a Muslim-free India. His other speech delivered on June 18, targeted Muslims to fuel his divisive agenda, introducing the ‘Hindu Bachao Morcha’. Narsinghanand’s incendiary rhetoric led to detention by Ghaziabad police.

In September 2023, Yati Narsinghanand escalated his hateful rhetoric by making shocking remarks about the revered former president APJ Abdul Kalam, labelling him a “traitor” and using derogatory language against Muslims. His statements, which suggested that Kalam represented a violent threat and demeaned his accomplishments, exemplify a disturbing pattern of communal hatred. Such incendiary language not only disrespects a national icon but also fuels division and hostility within society. In his speech he said that “APJ Abdul Kalam is one of the biggest traitors in India. APJ Abdul Kalam is one of those people who are ghaatak (prone to violence); the world should not have such people. He was not very special, did not have a PhD and was given just an honorary doctorate. The thing is that Muslims like APJ Abdul Kalam are more violent than ‘ordinary jihadis’. Traitors like him, we (Hindus) can’t accept it as a weak community. People like APJ Abdul Kalam are like the rakshasa.” In response to his blatant derogatory remark and violation of the law, the Ghaziabad police booked him under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 295A, 505(1), and 67 of the IT Act 2000.

It’s shocking and concerning that, despite numerous FIRs lodged against Yati Narsinghanand, there has been a glaring lack of effective investigation, police inaction and accountability. A 2022 BBC report revealed that the police only provided details on ten of the more than twenty cases against him, which include serious charges like attempted murder and abetment of suicide. This pattern of inaction raises alarming questions about the commitment to uphold the law and protect vulnerable communities from hate speech and call for violence by serial hate offenders like Yati Narsinghanand. The systemic failure due to communal influence of ‘Saffronisation of politics’ such egregious offenses and attempts not only undermining the safety of minorities but also emboldens individuals who perpetuate communal discord.

It’s important to note that Yati Narsinghanand and his followers were booked by the Mahmoodabad Police Station in Sitapur (UP) in year 2019, after they met the family of Kamlesh Tiwari, a leader of a Hindu outfit who was killed at his residence-cum-office on October 18, 2019. Narsinghanand delivered a two-minute speech filled with hate and inciting remarks against the Muslim community.

Yati’s Dharam Sansad in Haridwar: a stage for Hate and Division

The Haridwar Dharam Sansad (Religious Parliament) was organized in Haridwar, Uttarakhand from December 17 to 19, 2021, and was organized under the theme “Islamic Bharat Mein Sanatan Ka Bhavishya” (The Future of Sanatan in an Islamic India). The event featured various right-wing religious leaders, with Yati Narsinghanand being one of the prominent speakers. At the Dharam Sansad, several self-proclaimed religious leaders, including Serial Hate Offender Yati Narsinghanand espoused a hard, right-wing, exclusionist ideology and activists of the same ilk, along with hard-line fundamentalist speakers delivered incendiary and inciteful speeches against the Muslim community.  The event was toxic with provocative hate speeches and call for violence against the Muslims as Narsinghanand openly called for genocide and use of weapons against Muslims. The hateful and derogatory speeches made at in “Dharma Sansad” in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, triggered outrage and condemnation across the country.

On December 23, 2021, following the speech delivered at the Dharam Sansad, an FIR No. 849 of 2021 was registered against Yati Narsinghanand and other speakers under Sections 153A and 295A under the Indian Penal Code at Kotwali Police Station in Haridwar. Dramatically, on February 2, 2022, Yati was granted bail by the local court of Haridwar in the case registered against him.

It is important to highlight that, in another FIR No. 18 of 2022 registered against Yati Narsinghanand at Kotwali Police Station in Haridwar in a case registered against him for his alleged offensive and derogatory remarks on Muslim women, the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Haridwar rejected his bail application while affirming the contention of the prosecution  that “despite being issued a Section 41A CrPC notice in the past, he (Narsinghanand) is repeatedly making comments to incite communal passions and spoiling religious harmony/atmosphere through social media and there is a strong possibility of serious crimes being committed in the area.”

On December 28, 2021, Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) formally approached the National Commission for Minorities, seeking intervention regarding the hateful speeches made during the Dharam Sansad. CJP emphasized the need for urgent action to uphold communal harmony and protect minority rights, highlighting the failure of law enforcement to respond adequately to the incitement of hate. Following the Haridwar Dharam Sansad, the police faced significant criticism for their inaction in addressing the inflammatory rhetoric and hate speech that emerged from the event.

The persistent inaction of the police and the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) in addressing the hate speeches of Yati Narsinghanand is deeply troubling. Despite repeated complaints and repeated reminders on hate speech against the minorities, especially against Muslims, regarding derogatory remarks targeting Muslim Community and inflammatory statements made at events like the “Dharam Sansad,” authorities have failed to act decisively. This negligence not only emboldens hate speech but also endangers the livelihoods of the people from marginalised communities. CJP’s calls for unity and resistance against such divisive rhetoric highlighting the urgent need for a collective response from all Indians to uphold justice and communal harmony before it’s too late.

Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) has taken significant steps to counter the harmful influence of Dharm Sansad, CJP’s call to the majority in this country to speak up for their fellow Indians who follow other faiths. “A call to the comfortable majority in India”, stressed that we need to “Wake up, speak up, make a fist and let it rise in revolution to call for a new India where everyone has equal opportunity and nobody has to fall victim to hatred. It is our Duty as Indians, to speak up, before it is too late.”

CJP’s fight in countering Yati Narsinghanand’s Online Hate

Notably, on May 20, 2022, identifying the harmful impact of hate speech, particularly anti-minority and Islamophobic content, Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) took decisive action by filing a complaint with YouTube. CJP urged the platform to enforce its community guidelines, citing the inflammatory remarks of serial hate offender Yati Narsinghanand, which threaten communal harmony in India.

CJP cited the hate speech delivered by Yati Narsinghanand that was uploaded on YouTube on February 23, 2022 by channel Pavitr Sanatan, in which on being asked by a reporter if Muslims don’t belong in India, Yati said that, “the country of India is of Hindus only. Who are you in this? Who are you? On what basis are you asking this question? As a journalist or as a Muslim? If you are asking as a Muslim, then I want to tell you that you have taken your share by dividing the country. Took away double the share of the entire population. This India belongs to Hindus, should remain of Hindus and we want to make it a country of Hindus only.” 

Similarly, in another video cited by CJP in its complaint before YouTube, in which serial hate offender Yati Narsinghanand claiming that true secularism is synonymous with Hindus and labelling those who identify as secular as supporters of Islam. He further denounced Islam as a “cancer of the earth,” asserting that it poses a grave threat to society. Such rhetoric perpetuates hate and fuels communal division.

CJP’s relentless advocacy for curbing online hate resulted in a significant victory when YouTube responded on May 31, 2022, by removing six hate-filled videos that violated the platform’s Community Guidelines on Hate Speech. This decisive action by YouTube underscores the importance of holding individuals accountable for their words, particularly when they threaten societal harmony. CJP’s efforts highlight the critical role of community vigilance in combating hate speech and promoting a safer, more inclusive online environment for all, reinforcing the message that hate will not be tolerated. In their response dated May 31, 2022 to CJP’s complaint, YouTube apprised Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) that they have taken cognisance of the accounts we had reported, and suspended six videos for violating YouTube’s Community Guidelines regarding Hate Speech.

In the complaint, CJP has informed YouTube that this is a violation of Sections 153 A, 153B, 295A, 298, 504 and 505 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The complaint also highlights the latest set of laws concerning social media intermediaries such as YouTube under the Information Technology (Guidelines for Intermediaries and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021, which requires the platforms like YouTube to exercise due diligence in terms of any content that is “defamatory, obscene, pornographic, paedophilic, invasive of another’s privacy, including bodily privacy, insulting or harassing on the basis of gender, libellous, racially or ethnically objectionable, relating or encouraging money laundering or gambling, or otherwise inconsistent with or contrary to the laws of India [Rules 3(1)(b)].”

Yati Narsinghanand’s Rhetoric and Meta’s Hate Speech Policy

As per Meta’s 3 Tier Community Standards on Hate Speech, the definition of hate speech encompasses direct attacks against individuals based on protected characteristics such as race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and more. It includes violent or dehumanizing language, harmful stereotypes, and calls for exclusion. The guidelines also prohibit harmful stereotypes linked to historical violence and extend protections to refugees and migrants while allowing commentary on immigration policies. Additionally, slurs used to attack individuals based on these characteristics are banned, though content that critiques or raises awareness about such language may be permitted if the intent is clear. Overall, the policies aim to balance protection against hate speech with the allowance for critical dialogue

But in the case of Yati Narsinghanand’s hate speech, particularly through platforms like Facebook Live, raises critical concerns about the effectiveness of Meta’s three-tier community standards on hate speech. According to these guidelines, hate speech includes direct attacks on individuals based on protected characteristics such as religion, ethnicity, and gender identity, along with dehumanizing language and harmful stereotypes. Similarly, the social media giant X (formerly Twitter) also has a well-defined policy (April, 2023) on curbing hateful references, incitement, slurs and tropes, hateful imagery and hateful profile. X’s hateful conduct policy states that “you may not directly attack other people on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, caste, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, age, disability, or serious disease.”

However, Narsinghanand’s inflammatory remarks targeting the Muslim community, especially during events like the Dharam Sansad, have gone viral without sufficient moderation, exposing a glaring failure in enforcement of Meta’s policy.

Yati Narsinghanand’s hate history is a disturbing testament to the dangers of divisive rhetoric. His inflammatory speeches have sparked violence, protests, and widespread outrage, earning him multiple cases and criticism from various groups but no action has been taken against him even now. By targeting Muslims and other communities, he is on the way to undermines India’s diverse religious fabric and promotes harmful stereotypes against Muslims and Islam. Narsinghanand’s actions demonstrate a clear intent to incite violence and create social unrest, posing a significant threat to national harmony under the protection of ‘saffronisation of politics by the ruling party in Centre and UP.

Related:

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Yati Narsinghanand

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In the short video clip, Yati Narsinghanand Saraswati can be seen making derogatory remarks about the much-revered former president while also using derogatory language to target Muslims. The following is an excerpt from his speech.

“APJ Abdul Kalam is one of the biggest traitors in India. APJ Abdul Kalam is one of those people who are ghaatak (prone to violence); the world should not have such people. He was not very special, did not have a PhD and was given just an honorary doctorate. The thing is that Muslims like APJ Abdul Kalam are more violent than ‘ordinary jihadis’. Traitors like him, we (Hindus) can’t accept it as a weak community. People like APJ Abdul Kalam are like the rakshasa.”

Whom the whole world salutes.

Listen how Yati Narsinghanand is Abuß!ng Respected Abdul Kalam.

Remembering Missile Man of India, #APJAbdulKalam pic.twitter.com/70Qn8Zmf30

— Shivam Yadav (@ShivamYadavjii) October 15, 2023

Narsinghanand has been at the centre of a slate of controversies in the past. An FIR was registered against him based on the video clip; this was confirmed to the media by Commissioner of Police Ajay Kumar Mishra. For the comments on former President Kalam, the Ghaziabad police have booked him under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 295A, 505(1), and 67 of the IT Act.

According to Navbharat Times, the Deputy Commissioner of Police revealed that the video went viral on Twitter on September 7, 2023.

In his defence, Narsinghanand has allegedly claimed that the video in question is nearly a decade old and has been circulated multiple times over the years. He has also further stated that he already faces three pending cases related to this same video, and that people who have interests against him keep circulating the video to get him in trouble.

Narsinghanand has been no stranger to controversy. As per a report by the BBC from 2022, the police told the BBC about some of the details from ten out of the more than 20 cases lodged against Narsinghanand which comprise of a wide array of charges, including attempted murder, abetment of suicide, and dacoity. Maa Chetnanand Saraswati, who is reportedly a priest at the Dasna Devi Temple and also Narsinghanand’s lawyer, told the BBC that these cases are politically motivated.

Anil Yadav, a man reportedly closely associated with Narsinghanand, also informed the BBC that these cases are ‘like our jewels. That’s no problem.’ However, when the BBC asked Narinsghanand himself about the cases, he reportedly became agitated and threw his mic away.

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The said petition, filed by activist Shachi Nelli, was being heard by a division bench of Justices AS Bopanna and MM Sundresh. Notably, activist Shachi Nelli had filed the petition, seeking consent from the Attorney-General to initiate contempt proceedings against Narsinghanand. Nelli had argued that Narsinghanand’s remarks undermined the authority of the Supreme Court and interfered with the course of justice. Consent for contempt proceedings was granted by the Attorney-General in response to Nelli’s letter.

It is essential to note that although the bench agreed to issue notice to the respondent and seek his response, no returnable date was given.

Brief of the letter sent by activist Shachi Nelli:

In January 2022, activist Shachi Nelli had written to the Attorney-General of India seeking consent to initiate contempt proceedings against this Meerut-born priest, Yati Narsinghanand Saraswati, alias Deepak Tyagi, who is also an accused in Haridwar ‘Dharam Sansad’ hate speech case, over his ‘derogatory’ remarks against the Constitution and the Supreme Court.

In the viral interview, when he was asked about the court proceedings in the ‘Dharam Sansad’ case, Yati Narsinghanand had allegedly said that the Constitution will ‘consume’ the 100 crore Hindus in the country and those who believe in this charter and the extant system will ‘die the death of a dog’. As per a LiveLaw report, Yati Narsinghanand’s exact remarks, as excerpted in Nelli’s letter, were:

“We have no trust in the Supreme Court of India and the Constitution. The Constitution will consume the 100 crore Hindus of this country. Those who believe in this Constitution will be killed. Those who believe in this system, in these politicians, in the Supreme Court and in the Army will all die the death of a dog.”

The said letter had also referred to another portion of the same interview where the right-wing leader, on the issue of the arrests made by the police in the case, had made derogatory remarks against the police by using a transphobic slur and said, “When Jitendra Singh Tyagi went by the name Wasim Rizvi and wrote his book, not a single policeman, not one of these ‘hijde’ policeman or politician had the courage to arrest him.”

Through the letter, Nelli had alleged that the comments made by Yati Narsinghanand sought to “undermine the majesty of the institution and the authority vested in the Supreme Court of India”, and was “a vile and clear attempt at interfering in the course of justice by means of abusive rhetoric and baseless attacks on the integrity of the Constitution and the courts”.

In the month of January only, the then attorney-general KK Venugopal, had granted consent to initiate contempt proceedings against Yati Narsinghanad over his remarks about the Supreme Court and the Constitution, noting that they were a direct attempt to lower the authority of the Supreme Court in the minds of the general public.

In October, 2022, while hearing the contempt petition filed by Nelli, the top court had sought the transcripts of the interview in which Narsinghanand had allegedly made the contentious remarks.

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The post Supreme Court issues notice in contempt charges against Hindutva leader Yati Narsinghanand appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The speech:

Video 1

“Hindu Bachao Morcha will be a part of every fight that is fought against Muslims. If any of the people working for us is killed anywhere, we will take revenge on their behalf. The organisation will not only take revenge, but we will also take care of the family of the man who dies. We will ensure that the man’s children are education, and the family have enough food and clothes.”

“In every nook and corner that one turn, there are calls being made to declare India as a Hindu nation. Every Hindu is demanding that this country becomes a Hindu nation. but, let me clarify, the way this country is working and the way things are going on, there is not even an ounce of a chance that it becomes a Hindu nation, rather we are quickly moving towards becoming an Islamic nation.”

“In the year 2029, the Prime Minister of India will be a Muslim. Maximum to maximum, you will be able to avoid this till 2024, but then, sure a Muslim will the PM. This will happen because you people do not have children at home, and have poop filled in your brains. My words might hurt you, but the kind of environment we are living in and the troubling times ahead, this is necessary.”

Video 2

“If any Hindu is killed, or a daughter of a Hindu gets trapped in Love-Jihad, or our temples are demolished, we have to ensure that our roar reverberates in the entire world- this is our target.”

“We are not just making an organisation, we are making a group.”

“We want to ensure that we speak up for the Hindus. We want to ensure that if a Hindu is killed in Gujarat by a Muslim, the Hindus sitting in America gets to know. If Yati Narsinghanand is killed in Dasna, the Hindus sitting in Bengal and Bangladesh should know. If any Hindu dies, it should be visible on every media platform.”

“The police, the government, the judiciary, the Home Minister, the Prime Minister, and even the Chief Minister is ours. Our motive is to speak out. When the Muzzaffarnagar riots had happened, the Muslims had killed in large numbers. And after that, half of those old men with long beards with sitting at Sonia Gandhi’s home, while the other half were sitting at (indiscernible), after having murdered Hindus. After this, the media had said that the Muslims were tortured and were victims, and this was also being shown to the entire world. The Hindus too believed that.”

“I urge you to all read Islam, if my words don’t sound true to you, do not come back to me then. I am a walking FIR. I have been in jail 33 times. I have never secured a second position in college, but I dedicated my life, 27 years, to this cause.”

“Only those who want to fight with me want to die with me, want to fight for Hindus are welcome here.”

In the second video, two members of the audience also gave a hate speech targeting Muslims, made calls for violence, reminded them of the Hindu united power which has resulted in the genocide of Muslims in the past too.

Unknown speaker: “We all should not be worried about dying at all, even if we die today, we will be born after 9 months from the womb of another mother. The day this fear leaves your mind, that very day, the only of you will be able to destroy a crowd of 500, as we had previously seen in the Maujpur riots. Even our Lord Krishna had said that only after the death does the real life starts.”

Unknown speaker: “Only formulating the morcha will not be of any help, we have to have experience and training to fight, and we have to remain ready to fight by hook or by crook, only then will Hindus be saved. We have to get out of our defensive mood and come into the attacking mood now.”

The videos can be viewed here:

Location: Dasna, Uttar Pradesh

Hate speeches targeting Muslims were delivered at an event organized by far-right monk Yati Narsinghanand Saraswati to announce Hindu Bachao Morcha. pic.twitter.com/Y3mMur6FDm

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) June 21, 2023

Narsinghanand appears to have emerged from the trenches after the Uttarakhand Dharam Sansad case in 2021, with his same divisive ideology and communal diatribe, and is likely at full throttle with the general elections approaching. When he remarked that madrassas and Aligarh Muslim University should be blown up in September last year, he was arrested by the UP Police and has stayed quiet since then.

Last month, Yati Narsinghanand had gave an anti-Muslim speech at the Hindu Jagruti Sammelan in New Delhi on April 3, making venomous and insulting remarks against not only Muslims but also women, instilling fear among Hindus by driving the narrative of ‘Hindu Khatre me Hai’ (Hindus are in danger).

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Yati Narsinghanand appeared at the Hindu Jagruti Sammelan held in New Delhi on April 3 and as is his expertise, made vitriolic and demeaning comments about not just Muslims but about women as well and instigated fear among Hindus by driving the narrative of ‘Hindu Khatre me Hai’ (Hindus are in danger).

This event took place in Holiday Inn, New Delhi in  the presence of many police officers, who were probably providing security for the event. At this event, Hate Offender Kajal Shingala aka Kajal Hindustani and a few other unknown faces appeared to make anti-Islamic speeches.

After the Uttarakhand Dharam Sansad case, Narsinghanand had somewhat gone under the burrows and now seems to have emerged again with the same diatribe and probably full throttle. In September last year, when he said that madrassas and Aligarh Muslim University should be blown up, he was booked by UP Police and had remained low key since then.

Extracts from Yati Narsinghanand Saraswati’s speech:

(Time stamp: 29.06 to 29.27)

What should I say about Gandhiji? Such great souls like him are rare who write the script of devastation of all human kind. And who can be greater than us? The man who is responsible for our annihilation, we declared him as the father of the nation.”

(Time stamp: 29.30 to 29.54)

Shaukat Ali and Mohammad Ali (Jouhar) went up to Gandhiji and said that one Muslim even if a thief, rapist, murderer, he would still be better than you because he is Muslim and you are kafir

He also said that don’t look at whether the person fighting the war is a nice person but admire his passion for fighting the jihadis.

(At Time stamp:  43.02)

He said, “Now has come the time to unite the  entire world against Islam and its jihad.”

(At Time stamp: 44.18)

We have to take over the temple in Mecca as well where Mahadev’s Ganga flows as Zamzam (river). He then went on to call the supposed temple in Mecca as “Mecceshwar Mahadev”.

(Time stamp: 51.18.- 51.40)

In those regions where you are living, more than 50% women are in the clutches of Muslims. Don’t know from where he is earning money and these women are also giving their money to them

(At Time stamp: 51.57)

If you follow this solution I am telling you, your (woman) will not go anywhere and you can keep one of theirs (Muslim women) as well with you… you cannot remove women from your life. Whether she is Sankini, Dankini, Rashini or Yashini, we need to keep them all in our army.

The entire video may be viewed here:

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The post Yati Narsinghanand calls for unity of the world to destroy Islam appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Yati Narsinghanand, the militant Hindutva leader and the priest of Ghaziabad’s Dasna Devi temple, has said that he will “organise (the Dharm Sansad) at any cost,” after the Uttar Pradesh police on Thursday, November 3, issued a notice instructing him not to organise a ‘dharma sansad’ and a preparatory meeting at the temple, PTI  reports.

UP Police has reportedly stated that Narsinghanand has not obtained permission from district administration for neither of these two events.

Narsinghanand, who is known for extremely communal, sexist and violent statements had called for the three-day ‘dharma sansad’ to begin on December 17. The day is the birth anniversary of former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Baikunth Lal Sharma. December 17 is also the day on which, last year, the Haridwar Dharma Sansad began. In it, a large collection of major religious leaders, right-wing activists, hardline fundamentalist militants and Hindutva organisations came together for an extraordinary outpouring of hate speech, mobilisations to violence and anti-Muslim sentiment.

The Supreme Court is presently adjudicating on two major petitions agitating the issue of police inaction and absence of prosecution of hate offenders. Dharma Sansads or ‘religious parliaments’ organised and attended by Hindutva leaders and supporters have been in the spotlight since, with local administrations often prohibiting these events.

An FIR was lodged in Haridwar against Narsinghanand for making highly provocative speeches against Muslims at the Haridwar Dharma Sansad. A five member SIT was constituted to investigate the allegations of hate speech by the Haridwar police.Yati Narsinghanand was first denied bail in an Uttarakhand court. Later a Sessions court granted him bail in February 2022. His bail condition had it that he would not be part of any event or gathering “which aims towards creating difference between communities”.

 ‘No permission needed, Will organise at any cost’

Despite these legal restrictions, , Narsinghanand has made statements openly exhorting violence multiple times since then. Narsinghanand had also called for a ‘preparatory meeting’ on December 6 to chalk out plans for the three-day event.

Ghaziabad superintendent of police (Rural) Iraj Raja said, “Without permission, the police will not permit the three-day-long ‘dharma sansad’ which hundreds of seers are expected to attend. Also, providing security to them would be a tough task.” Besides, prohibitory orders under CrPC Section 144 have been enforced in the district in view of civic body elections, the police officer said.

In a press statement that PTI refers to, Narsinghanand said, “Dharma Sansad will be held in the temple premises that is why no permission is required for it. And, it is not being held for the first time. We will organise it at any cost. If police and administration create hindrance, seers will lodge their protest.”

Note: This article, originally published as a PTI report at 12.38 pm

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Yati Narsinghanand, the head priest of the Dasna Devi temple is once again in the news for all the wrong reasons. On September 18, while addressing mediapersons on the sidelines of an event organized by the Hindu Mahasabha in Aligarh, Narsinghanand allegedly suggested that madrasas and the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) should be blown up.  

A video of the speech went viral and in it, Narsinghanand can be seen and heard saying, “Madrassas should not exist in the first place.” He goes on to say, “They should be blown to bits with gunpowder or we should practice the policy of China and send the residents of the madrassas to detention camps.” Narsinghanand appears to be referring to the infamous camps where Uyghur Muslims are “re-educated”. According to media reports, he also said that Aligarh was the place where the seeds were sown for India’s partition. Narsinghanand also called Congress’s Bharat Jodo Yatra a joke.

The timing of the comment is significant given how a survey of madrasas is on in Uttar Pradesh at present to determine their sources of funding and course curriculum. Also, in Assam at least four madrasas have been demolished due to their alleged connections to terrorist organisations, though in at least one case the official reason given was that the structure was unsound and therefore dangerous.

A case has now been registered against him at the Gandhi Park police station, reports India Today. Superintendent of Police Kuldeep Singh Gunawat told Scroll that the controversial spiritual leader has now been booked under IPC sections Sections 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 295 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings), 298 (uttering words to hurt religious feelings), 505(2) (statements conducing to public mischief) and 506 (criminal intimidation).

This is not the first time Narsinghanand has made controversial statements. In March 2021, Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) had moved the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITy) and the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MMA) against the godman for his offensive and discriminatory speech made online, in which he had selectively targeting the Muslim community. He had dubbed the community as “jihadi” and urged Hindus to protect their Dharam (religion), daughters and women from them.

Then in August 2021, CJP had approached the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) to take cognisance of the Islamophobic statements made by Yati Narsinghanand Saraswati, and his endeavour to provoke young Hindu men to act against Muslims. He had said that all workers like plumbers, electricians, delivery boys, vegetable vendors are Muslims who enter Hindu homes, befriend Hindu women who then fall prey to the ‘Jihadis’.

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