The priests at Hanuman temples here have taken exception to Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath’s statement terming Lord Hanuman as ‘Dalit’. The priests flying Yogi, said that the Gods should not be dragged into politics for political gain. Yogi’s remark at a public meeting has triggered controversy across the country.
While addressing a rally in Rajasthan’s Alwar district, the Uttar Pradesh chief minister had said, “Hanuman was a forest dweller, deprived and a Dalit. Bajrang Bali worked to unite all Indian communities, from north to south and east to west.” Angry over Yogi’s statement, chief priest of 1100 Quarter Hanuman temple, Pt Mohanlal Thapak opined that one must not drag God in matters like politics.
“Yogi itne yogya kab ho gaye” (Since when has Yogi become so capable)… “You don’t need to comment on God to win the elections,” said Thapak while talking to Free Press. Yogi himself is a priest and such statement was not expected from him, he added. Pt Rajnish Tiwari who is chief priest of Mansha Pooran Panchmukhi Hanuman temple said, “Earlier BJP used temple for politics and now you are pulling God to get votes.” Yogi must understand that he is a chief minister and must speak and behave like one, said Tiwari, adding that there is no need to mix religion with politics.
Yogi himself is a saint and giving such statement does not justifies his post and position, said chief priest, Mehant Mukesh Giri of Kamla Park Nagababa Ashram Hanuman temple. “God has created everyone and is capable to destroy everything and one must not drag the supreme power in politics. There are many forms of God and you must respect each of them and you are not big enough to comment on religion or caste of a God,” said the priest.
