LUCKNOW, July 19 — A highly debated public speech by an Etawah-based cleric has triggered widespread discussion across the political landscape of Uttar Pradesh, with questions being raised over the silence of top Samajwadi Party leaders regarding the controversial remarks.
The cleric, identified as Maulana Jargis, reportedly asserted during a gathering in Jharkhand that Lord Krishna practiced daily prayers akin to Islamic rituals, citing a verse from the sixth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita to support his claim. However, Sanskrit scholars and textual analysis have affirmed that the specific verse focuses strictly on solitary meditation, self-control, and detachment, offering no basis for the cleric’s independent interpretation. The unconventional remarks have drawn severe criticism from various socio-religious quarters, leading many to ask why prominent political representatives have not publicly objected to the statements.
Political observers maintain that the silence of Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav is drawing particular scrutiny from community members. Given that the cleric hails from Etawah—a region traditionally central to the Samajwadi Party’s political influence—many expected a direct statement defending the community’s revered deity. Commentators argue that the hesitation to address such statements might stem from a desire to protect delicate demographic alliances, though critics warn that remaining silent on sensitive cultural matters could impact the party’s future standing among its core support base.
