BJP Sitamarhi MLA Mithilesh Kumar has kicked up a political row in Bihar by distributing swords in Durga puja pandals in his constituency. While Opposition Radhtriya Janata Dal and Congress have called it a provocative act that could incite violence, the BJP leader has defended the act saying there was “nothing wrong in it”. In a video that went viral, Mithilesh Kumar was purportedly seen distributing copies of the Hindu epic Ramayana and a sword at every puja pandal. The MLA told the media: "It has been a part of our religious tradition to worship arms during Durga puja. I’m also distributing copies of Ramayana. One must not see politics in everything. My act is not provoking any violence". But RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari said it sent out “wrong and provocative signals”. “Distributing swords is not a good gesture. Why should a public representative do so?” he asked. Senior Congress leader Prem Chandra Mishra echoed the sentiments, wondering where the MLA had secured” such a huge stash of swords”. “So long as they had been distributing copies of Ramayana or Durga Saptsati, it was alright. But swords are an act of provocation”. However, the BJP defended the move. While senior BJP leader and Union minister Giriraj Singh defended the move saying "shastra and shaastra (arms and religious texts) go hand in hand in Sanatan dharma”, party spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said there was “nothing provocative about it”. “This is reading too much into a religious practice," he said. Meanwhile, a leader of BJP ally Janata Dal (United) chose to tread cautiously. "Distribution or display of swords could be part of religious practice. But the act should not be made overt,” this leader said.
