In Punjab, Bageshwar Dham head priest refuses to retract remarks; Christian body files complaint
Dhirendra Krishna Shastri’s remarks had angered several Christian groups in Punjab. During his 3-day visit, Shastri had sought an anti-conversion law in the state.
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Spiritual leader Dhirendra Krishna Shastri during a visit to Golden Temple, in Amritsar, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (PTI Photo) Self-styled spiritual guru Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, popularly known as Bageshwar Dham Baba or Maharaj, on Monday, refused to retract his remarks that had upset Christian groups in Punjab. A Christian organisation had filed a complaint with the Amritsar police against Shastri for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.
Shastri, who was on a three-day visit to Punjab, is the head priest of Bageshwar Dham, a pilgrimage site in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district.
On his first visit to Punjab, Shastri paid obeisance at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Saturday. Speaking to the media outside the Darbar Sahib, he pronounced a word in a way that several Christian groups took offence.
“I have come to know that some people have a problem with my visit. They are objecting to why I used the word…I used it…If you have any problem, stop interrupting our innocent Hindus. We will not interrupt you. I do not have any personal enmity with you,” Shastri said, addressing a gathering in Pathankot.
Shastri, who also raised the issue of forced conversions in the state, said the Pathankot police had advised him not to extend his visit as it could lead to a law and order situation.
“I appeal to the Punjab government to make an anti-conversion law in the state because innocent people are being exploited. Those who have been feeling hurt must understand that there will be consequences. So it is a request that Bharat is for all…,” he said.
“I wanted to go to Pandhori Dham, Gaushala, and other places in Pathankot. But police officials said that the environment is not good, and your visit will not be appropriate. According to the police, my visit could create a problem. So I did not want to create any inconvenience. But I will continue to come to Punjab,” Shastri said.
Jatinder Gaurav of the Global Christian Action Committee alleged that Shastri had used a derogatory word and demanded that the police register a case. “Baba has come from outside and is trying to disrupt the peace in Punjab. He is targeting the word… wherever he goes in Punjab, targeting the Christian community. We have been told by the police that appropriate legal action will be taken on our complaint. We will intensify our protest if no action is taken,” Gaurav added.
Saying that he had received a lot of love and affection in Punjab, Shastri said, “Foreign powers should not be allowed to enter temples and gurudwaras. They should not be allowed to sway people away from any religion. That is why I am going to different places. Otherwise, I have no problem with anyone. Hindus must unite.”
Businessman Swaran Salaria, who had unsuccessfully contested the parliamentary election from Gurdaspur on a BJP ticket, had hosted Shastri in Pathankot.
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