PATNA: Bageshwar Dham has become a hot topic on social media as Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri of the renowned temple is scheduled to visit Patna on May 13. The city has started preparing for his arrival, but it is not without controversy.
Dhirendra Krishna Shastri is a well-known figure in the Hindu community, and his visits often attract large crowds. However, his presence in Patna has drawn criticism from Bihar’s Forest and Environment Minister, Tej Pratap Yadav. Speaking on the matter, Yadav said, “If Bageshwar Baba is coming to make Hindu-Muslim fight, then I will oppose him. I will lay siege to the airport. If he gives the message of brotherhood, then he can be entered in Bihar.”
#WATCH अगर बागेश्वर बाबा हिंदू मुसलमान भाई को लड़वाने के लिए आ रहे हैं तो मैं उनका विरोध करूंगा, मैं उनका हवाई अड्डे पर घेराव करूंगा। अगर भाईचारे का संदेश देंगे कि हिंदू मुस्लिम सिख ईसाई हम सब हैं भाई-भाई तो उनकी बिहार में एंट्री हो सकती है: धीरेंद्र शास्त्री के पटना दौरे पर… pic.twitter.com/Cu3R2ID644
— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) April 27, 2023
The Minister’s statement has caused a stir, with many wondering why he would oppose the arrival of a religious leader known for his teachings of peace and harmony. Some have speculated that the statement was politically motivated, as Yadav is a member of the Rashtriya Janata Dal, which has been at odds with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over various issues.
Despite the controversy, preparations for Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri’s arrival in Patna are underway. The event is expected to draw a large crowd of devotees, and the local authorities have been tasked with ensuring adequate security measures are in place to prevent any untoward incidents.