SP MP Calls Durga Puja and Kanwar Yatra ‘Hypocrisy’, Sparks Political Row in Uttar Pradesh
A statement by Samajwadi Party MP Dr SP Singh Patel regarding Hindu religious traditions has triggered a political controversy in Uttar Pradesh. The Pratapgarh MP has questioned the practices associated with Durga Puja and the Kanwar Yatra, describing them as “hypocrisy” and calling for both to be discontinued. His remarks have drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party.
In a video that surfaced on social media, Singh Patel questioned the practice of worshipping Durga idols for several days before immersing them. He reportedly said that people bring home an idol, worship it for about a week and then throw it into a dirty drain. Questioning the practice, he asked whether the Goddess would bless or curse those who followed such a tradition. He described the practice as hypocritical and called for it to stop.
Remarks on Kanwar Yatra
The MP also questioned the need for devotees to walk long distances carrying holy water during the Kanwar Yatra. He said people could visit a temple in their own village, offer prayers and seek blessings. According to him, walking 50 kilometres or more would not bring any additional blessings and could only cause physical discomfort. He suggested that worshipping at a local temple was sufficient.
BJP Targets Samajwadi Party
The BJP strongly criticised the remarks. Party spokesperson Priyank Pandey accused the Samajwadi Party of disrespecting Hindu religious beliefs and demanded clarification from its leadership. BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi also alleged that SP leaders had repeatedly made comments against Hindu deities, religious texts and traditions.
The controversy has intensified the political exchange between the BJP and the Samajwadi Party, with the issue of religious traditions becoming another point of confrontation ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
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