Bhupesh Baghel Demands Rabies Test for Dhirendra Shastri

Raipur | Correspondent: A controversy surrounding Bageshwar Dham chief Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri's remarks comparing Lord Ram and Lord Krishna has taken a political turn, with former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel launching a sharp attack on the religious preacher. In a sarcastic and strongly worded social media post, Baghel suggested that Shastri should undergo a rabies test, triggering fresh political debate.

Reacting to a video of Shastri's religious discourse that has gone viral on social media, Baghel wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "There seems to be some chemical malfunction. It would be appropriate to get him tested for rabies and other such conditions."

Taking his criticism further, the senior Congress leader accused Shastri of ridiculing Hindu deities despite frequently invoking Hindu identity and religious sentiments.

"After constantly talking about Hinduism, this so-called religious preacher has now started making fun of the deities worshipped by Hindus," Baghel wrote.

He also questioned the silence of those who frequently claim to be protectors of Hindu religious sentiments, asking why their sentiments were not being hurt by Shastri's remarks.

Baghel's comments came after Shastri faced criticism from devotees of Lord Krishna over a series of comparisons he made between Lord Ram and Lord Krishna during a religious discourse in Madhya Pradesh.

What Exactly Did Dhirendra Shastri Say?

The controversy originated during a Shri Ram Katha programme held on October 29 in Karera, in Madhya Pradesh's Shivpuri district.

While addressing devotees, Shastri made comparisons between the physical postures, names and activities associated with Lord Ram and Lord Krishna.

Referring to the traditional Tribhangi posture of Lord Krishna, in which his body is bent at three places while playing the flute, Shastri described Krishna as 'crooked' and contrasted this with Lord Ram, whom he described as standing straight.

He reportedly told the audience that Lord Krishna's posture was bent at three places, his waist was tilted and he played the flute while standing in a distinctive curved position.

In contrast, he described Lord Ram as completely straight, saying that his name, appearance and movements were all straightforward.

Shastri also brought the sacred cities of Ayodhya and Vrindavan into the comparison, suggesting that Ayodhya was associated with straightness while Vrindavan was associated with crookedness.

The preacher further compared Lord Krishna's flute-playing with Lord Ram's use of the bow and arrow. He reportedly remarked that playing the flute was something even ordinary musicians could do, whereas shooting arrows with a bow was no ordinary accomplishment.

He also referred to Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan mountain and compared it with Lord Hanuman carrying the mountain containing the Sanjeevani herb to save Lakshman.

The comments were made while addressing devotees, including members of the Yadav community. Short clips of the discourse subsequently circulated widely on social media, drawing criticism from Krishna devotees.

Mathura Saints and Krishna Devotees Express Anger

Shastri's remarks triggered strong reactions from religious figures in Mathura and Vrindavan, regions closely associated with the life and worship of Lord Krishna.

Several saints and devotees objected to the language used by the preacher, arguing that Lord Ram and Lord Krishna are both revered manifestations of Lord Vishnu and should not be compared in a manner that appears to belittle either deity.

Members of the Yadav community also expressed displeasure, with some questioning the appropriateness of such comments during a public religious discourse.

The controversy soon expanded beyond the religious community, with social media users debating whether a preacher who frequently speaks about Hindu unity should use language that could offend followers of another devotional tradition.

Some critics demanded a public apology, while others called for opposition to Shastri's religious programmes.

Dhirendra Shastri Apologises, Says His Words Were Misinterpreted

Facing growing criticism, Dhirendra Krishna Shastri subsequently issued a clarification and apologised for his remarks.

In his explanation, Shastri maintained that he had spoken in a lighter and emotional context and that his intention was not to insult Lord Krishna.

He referred to traditional devotional poetry and the use of humour and affectionate expressions by devotees while describing their relationship with God.

He also cited the devotional traditions associated with poet-saint Surdas and the playful exchanges between the Gopis and Lord Krishna.

Shastri said that he himself was a devotee of Lord Krishna and rejected the suggestion that he was anti-Krishna.

Acknowledging that his choice of words could have hurt religious sentiments, he said that if anyone had been offended by his remarks, he sincerely sought forgiveness.

He was also seen with folded hands while expressing regret.

Reiterating his position, Shastri said that Lord Ram and Lord Krishna were one and the same and that there was no difference between them.

However, his apology has not prevented the controversy from becoming a subject of wider political and religious debate.

Bhupesh Baghel and Dhirendra Shastri Have Clashed Before

The latest confrontation is not the first time Bhupesh Baghel and Dhirendra Krishna Shastri have publicly exchanged sharp remarks.

In 2025, Baghel had accused Shastri of promoting superstition through religious preaching.

The allegations prompted a strong response from the Bageshwar Dham preacher, who reportedly said from a public platform that if bringing Hindu society together was considered superstition, then those holding such views should leave the country.

Baghel subsequently responded by saying that he had been reciting the Hanuman Chalisa long before Dhirendra Shastri was even born.