“Carry a Garland and a Spear”: Dhirendra Shastri Speaks on Stone-Pelting Incidents
Bageshwar Dham Acharya Dhirendra Krishna Shastri has called recent stone-pelting attacks on Holi celebrations, Durga idols, and Ram processions a coordinated effort by foreign forces to intimidate Hindus across India. Shastri emphasized that these incidents are part of a sponsored conspiracy, adding that a nationwide padayatra will be undertaken to dispel Hindu fears and awaken communities.
Shastri said, “Hindus, now carry a garland and a spear.” He further stated that expressing love for Mahadev is as legitimate as saying “I love Muhammad”, but acts like chanting “head and body are separated” will not be tolerated by the law or the Hindu community.
Hindutva Ideology Strengthens in Chhattisgarh
Dhirendra Shastri highlighted that Chhattisgarh is becoming a stronghold of Hindutva ideology, promoting devotion to the motherland and Ram. He pointed out that the spread of this ideology is curbing religious conversions, and predicted that Chhattisgarh could soon become the first state where anti-conversion voices emerge in every village.
Shastri praised the soldiers combating Naxalism, calling their efforts a step toward removing the stain of insurgency from Chhattisgarh.
Call for Death Penalty Against Forced Religious Conversions
The Acharya suggested that the government should impose the death penalty for forced religious conversions, noting that the Constitution does not allow anyone to coerce or bribe someone into converting. Voluntary conversions, he clarified, are an individual’s choice, but forced conversions via deceit, force, or superstition should be punished as a grave sin.
