Mahatma Gandhi’s favorite bhajan by Bhojpuri folk singer Devi in a program organized on the occasion of the birth centenary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Bapu Auditorium, Gandhi Maidan, Patna. “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram, Ishwar-Allah in your name.” There was a ruckus over the song. BJP leaders and workers protested against this bhajan and created ruckus by climbing on the stage. The controversy grew so much that the singer was forced to apologize.
Uproar and protest during bhajan
When Devi started singing this hymn of Mahatma Gandhi in the program, BJP workers expressed strong protest. Many leaders came on stage and “Jai Shri Ram” Started raising slogans. The situation became so uncomfortable that the goddess had to stop the bhajan midway. The workers present at the program forced him to apologize from the stage.
Priyanka Gandhi’s sharp attack
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi reacted sharply to this incident. While sharing the video of the incident, he made serious allegations against BJP. Priyanka said,
“BJP leaders forced folk singer Devi ji to apologize for singing Bapu’s favorite bhajan. They also have problem with hymns like Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram. They offer flowers to Mahatma Gandhi to show it to the world, but they have no respect for him.”
He also accused the BJP of hating his tolerant and inclusive traditions. Priyanka said,
“These people insult great men again and again. Babasaheb takes the names of Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi only for show, but in reality rejects their teachings and ideals.”
Singer Devi’s compulsion and statement
After the controversy, singer Devi had to publicly apologize. He said,
“If my bhajan has hurt anyone’s sentiments, I apologize.”
After the program ended, Devi said while talking to the media,
“Humanity is the greatest religion. Hinduism is a religion that encompasses all religions.”
Anger and support on social media
This incident has also sparked debate on social media. While on one hand people are criticizing this action of BJP, on the other hand some people are calling it support of the party’s values. Most of the users say that disputing Gandhiji’s bhajan and forcing the singer to apologize is against the values of tolerance and diversity.
deepening impact of controversy
Mahatma Gandhi’s hymn “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram” A symbol of the freedom struggle and Indian cultural values. This incident has not only raised questions on the image of BJP, but has also shown how deep the ideological and cultural differences run in the country.
Is this an insult to Gandhi’s legacy?
This incident sparks a new debate on the issue of respect for Mahatma Gandhi’s ideology and his ideals. Is this simply a political dispute, or does it indicate a deeper problem? This question has now become a topic of public discussion.