How Dhirendra Shastri's remark on Lord Krishna puts MP CM Mohan Yadav in a spot

Godman Shastri's statements in the past have had a bearing on Yadav politics in both Madhya Pradesh and Uttar PradeshMadhya Pradesh-based godman Dhirendra Shastri, who has garnered considerable following in the past few years, often finds himself in the news for the wrong reasons. His brother has been a constant source of embarrassment and faces criminal cases.On November 2, however, it was Shastri himself who courted controversy. Social media was agog with claims of the godman having made uncharitable remarks about Lord Krishna. While doing so, he apparently compared Lord Ram and his followers with Lord Krishna and his followers, extolling the virtues of the former over the latter.Shastri apologised for his remarks on November 3 but the incident, if raked up politically, could have ramifications in the Uttar Pradesh elections next year. Shastri’s statements in the past have had a bearing on Yadav politics in both Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Here is why.Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav is seen as associated with a brand of identity politics over the last three years he has been in office. He has been accused of favouring Yadav officials in postings and appointments—something perhaps synced with a political script that involves promotion of the community. Yadav has commissioned work on ‘Krishna Pathey’, development of pilgrimages associated with Lord Krishna in the state; this too is seen as part of the identity politics at play.Lord Krishna is closely associated with the Yadav community and is the most important deity in the community’s pantheon.Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav was quick to point out how Shastri’s statement on Lord Krishna would have left Mohan Yadav embarrassed. “What has happened to all the Sanatanis? Why are they protesting what Dhirendra Shastri said about Lord Krishna?” Akhilesh said, adding that the Madhya Pradesh CM, being a Yadav, should have been offended.“Where is the bulldozer?” Akhilesh remarked, taking a dig at the government’s ‘bulldozer action’ policy that critics say is directed against only those who offend Hindu sentiments.While the Ram Janmabhoomi movement has been a BJP leitmotif, Uttar Pradesh is also home to Vrindavan and Mathura, places of immense reverence associated with Lord Krishna. Incidentally, Shastri has ‘Krishna’ as his middle name.Mohan Yadav has not reacted to Shastri’s statement as yet. While politicians of all hues pay their respects to the godman, he is considered closer to the BJP. Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also made a trip to Shastri’s Bageshwar Dham in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district in connection with the inauguration of a hospital set up by the godman.Subscribe to India Today Magazine- Ends