Controversy on the birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Bapu Auditorium, BJP workers protest against the song of Bhojpuri singer Devi.

The 100th birth anniversary program of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was organized yesterday at Bapu Auditorium in the capital Patna. On this special occasion, famous Bhojpuri singer Devi tried to make the atmosphere musical with her performance. But during the program, a controversy arose over the song ‘Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram’ sung by singer Devi. Many BJP workers protested against the song and demanded it to be stopped, disrupting the programme.

‘This song should not have been made’: BJP workers protest

When singer Devi started singing the bhajan ‘Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram’ from the stage, some BJP workers protested, calling it inappropriate. He said that this song should not be sung on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Due to opposition, Devi had to leave this song midway and started singing another hymn. But this development made the atmosphere of the program serious.

Political dispute gained momentum

After this entire episode, political rhetoric has also intensified in Bihar. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Yadav targeted BJP over this incident. Lalu Yadav tweeted and called it an example of “intolerance and double standards of BJP”.

Lalu Yadav’s tweet has further heated up the matter, and now this controversy has become a matter of not only cultural but also political debate.

What happened in the program?

1. Singer Devi’s presentation:
   When Devi started singing the song ‘Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram’ in her presentation, BJP workers demanded that she stop it.
2. Workers protest:
   Expressing protest, BJP workers said that this song is not suitable for the birth anniversary celebrations of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
3. The singer changed the song:
   Seeing the opposition, singer Devi started singing the second bhajan.

Why such protest on the birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee?

BJP workers said that the singing of ‘Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram’ in this program did not match the ideology of Vajpayee. Different opinions of different political parties and intellectuals have come forward on this.

• Some people believe that this protest exposes BJP’s narrow thinking on religious songs.
• BJP workers argue that this song was not appropriate in the context of Vajpayee’s ideology and birth anniversary celebrations.

Lalu Yadav’s sharp attack

RJD chief Lalu Yadav attacked BJP on this issue. He said,
“BJP is now doing politics on bhajans and songs also. “Such an intolerant attitude on the birth anniversary of a great leader like Atal ji exposes the double standards of his party.”

After this statement of Lalu Yadav, the opposition has made it an issue of “intolerance” and raising questions on the internal culture of BJP.

New debate in Bihar politics

This incident is now sparking a new debate in the politics of Bihar. While BJP workers are calling it an issue of protecting their cultural values, the opposition is calling it an attack on freedom of democratic expression.