Maurya has been instructed not to indulge in religious issues: Shivpal

February 22, 2023 08:59

Swami Prasad Maurya

Amid a controversy over Swami Prasad Maurya's remarks on the Ramcharitmanas, senior Samajwadi Party leader Shivpal Singh Yadav on Tuesday said he has been instructed not to indulge in such religious issues.

"All of us have said that we want to stay away from religious and communal issues. Swami Prasad Maurya has been instructed not to indulge in such religious issues. The BJP always wants that this issue should be raked up," he told reporter in Ballia.

"We follow the ideals of Lord Ram. We are the descendants of Lord Krishna. Our country is a secular country. We are secular. We do not want to play on the pitch of the BJP. We are Samajwadi people," he added.

A cabinet minister in the previous BJP government in the state, Maurya had resigned and joined the SP before the 2022 Uttar Pradesh assembly polls.

He contested the election from the Fazilnagar assembly seat in Kushinagar district but lost.

He was later sent to the legislative council by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav.

On January 24, an FIR was registered against Maurya at the Hazratganj police station over his controversial comments on the Ramcharitmanas.

Another FIR was registered against him and others on January 29 at the PGI police station.

Maurya, who was recently made the general secretary of the SP, had on January 22 alleged that certain portions of the Ramcharitmanas insult a large section of society on the basis of caste and said these should be banned. -- PTI

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Ferry tragedy shocks Mumbai; 13 killed, 99 rescued

Two passengers died and 75 others were rescued after a speed boat crashed into a ferry off the Mumbai coast. The ferry, carrying 80 passengers and five crew members, was on its way to Elephanta Islands when the speed boat circled it...

I jumped into sea: Passenger recounts ferry mishap

Thirteen people died and 99 others were rescued after a Navy speed boat crashed into a ferry off the Mumbai coast on Wednesday afternoon. The ferry was on its way to Elephanta Island, a popular tourist attraction near Mumbai....

Sombre shadow over Gateway of India after ferry mishap

A boat tragedy off the Mumbai coast, which claimed the lives of 13 people, including Navy personnel, has cast a sombre mood over the city's iconic Gateway of India. Tourist boats that usually remain brightly lit until late at night were...

'A GOAT Retires'

'I do feel there's a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to ... showcase that in club level cricket.'

'He deserved a much better farewell'

With 765 international scalps in his bag, Ashwin is the second-highest wicket-taker from India after Anil Kumble.