Dhirendra Krishna Shastri's alleged remarks about Lord Ram and Lord Krishna prompted police complaints and political condemnation. Akhilesh Yadav demanded punitive action and cancellation of programmes, citing risks to social harmony.Dhirendra Shastri faces backlash over Ram, Krishna remarks, Akhilesh reacts (Photo- ITG)Gwalior,Nov 3, 2026 20:00 ISTBageshwar Dham's Dhirendra Krishna Shastri has landed in a controversy over his alleged remarks comparing Lord Ram and Lord Krishna during a religious discourse in Madhya Pradesh's Shivpuri district.The comments have drawn objections from the Yadav community, which has approached the police in Gwalior seeking an FIR against the spiritual preacher.Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has also condemned the remarks, demanding punitive action and cancellation of programmes by those making such statements.According to the Yadav Samaj (Yaduvanshi) Sangathan Madhya Pradesh, Shastri made the alleged comments during a Katha held in Shivpuri between October 30 and November 1, 2026.

The organisation alleged that Shastri compared Lord Ram and Lord Krishna using words such as "small and big" and "crooked and straight". It further claimed that Lord Krishna's actions were portrayed as relatively insignificant and as mere play.The organisation said Lord Krishna was revered by crores of devotees and held a central place in Sanatan culture.

It argued that such alleged comments from a public religious platform could hurt religious sentiments and affect social harmony. Its office-bearers submitted an application to the Gwalior Superintendent of Police, seeking an investigation into the alleged remarks, registration of an FIR and legal action in accordance with the law.AKHILESH YADAV DEMANDS ACTIONThe controversy has also drawn a sharp response from Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, who on Tuesday condemned the circulation of alleged objectionable remarks about Lord Ram's father and demanded that all programmes of those making such comments be cancelled.In a post on X, Yadav shared a 41-second video clip in which Shastri is purportedly heard saying, "Ramji had five fathers.

It is strange and hard to accept, but unfortunately it is the truth."Without explicitly naming Shastri, Yadav questioned who was behind such "anti-Sanatan" remarks and whether those making them had political backing."Who is activating these anti-Sanatan elements, and at whose behest? First, a controversial video about Lord Krishna surfaced, and now objectionable remarks about Lord Ram's father are being circulated," he said.Yadav said such comments could disturb social harmony and were unacceptable to him."All their programmes should be cancelled for the crime of disturbing social harmony.

True followers of Sanatan Dharma will now write their slips," he said.He also questioned whether the political patrons of those involved would approve of such remarks.SHASTRI RESPONDS TO CONTROVERSYResponding to the controversy, Bageshwar Dham Peethadhishwar Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri said in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, that his remarks had been misinterpreted.Referring to the video that triggered the row, Shastri said, "A video in which, overwhelmed with emotion, we lovingly expressed our grievance to Shri Thakur Ji, saying that our Ram Ji is straightforward, while Thakur Ji is not. Many people misinterpreted it and began making baseless remarks in various places..."AKHILESH HAD EARLIER DEMANDED PUNITIVE ACTIONOn Monday, Yadav had demanded punitive action against Shastri over his alleged controversial remarks on Lord Krishna, saying the matter should be taken up at the highest level.In a post on X, accompanied by a video of Lord Krishna wielding the Sudarshan Chakra, Yadav described the alleged remarks as "extremely unfortunate and objectionable".He said both deities were incarnations of the same divine entity and questioned the rationale behind comparing them in a manner that allegedly placed one above the other."Both the protector of the people and the one who brings them joy are incarnations of the same divine entity.

What is the rationale behind such undignified comparisons? This must be clarified," he said.The SP chief alleged that the remarks "appeared to reflect the designs of someone working behind the scenes" and warned that failure to check such statements could create an atmosphere of discord and resentment in society.He also urged those claiming to represent Sanatan traditions to speak out against the alleged remarks, saying genuine followers worship both Lord Ram and Lord Krishna."Any kind of venomous expression against any religion, faith, sect or its revered deities and great figures is absolutely unacceptable.

The matter should be taken up at the highest level, and punitive action should be taken," Yadav said.Following objections from members of the religious community, Shastri clarified that he had no intention of creating differences between the two deities, according to reports.- Ends