Varanasi Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Independent MP Pappu Yadav, and Samajwadi Party MP Awadesh Prasad over allegations of hurting religious sentiments by allegedly insulting Sanatan Dharma during a protest held in the Parliament complex.
The case was filed at the Kotwali police station following a complaint submitted by a group of seers, who alleged that the three parliamentarians staged a performance that mocked Hindu religious beliefs. According to the complainants, the act was linked to an Opposition protest over alleged irregularities in donations made for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Based on the complaint, police registered an FIR under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections related to promoting enmity between groups and deliberately outraging religious sentiments. Officials said the allegations will be examined as part of the investigation and that legal proceedings will continue in accordance with established procedures.
The controversy stems from a demonstration staged by Opposition leaders during the Monsoon Session of Parliament. During the protest, leaders used symbolic acts and satire to question the handling of donations associated with the Ram Temple. While Opposition parties described the protest as a political statement seeking accountability, critics accused the participants of disrespecting Hindu traditions and religious beliefs.
The incident has drawn sharp political reactions, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) condemning the protest and demanding legal action against those involved. BJP leaders have argued that the demonstration crossed the line from political criticism to offending religious sentiments.
Meanwhile, a separate complaint has also been submitted to the Parliament Street police in New Delhi, seeking action against the same leaders over the incident. While that complaint is under consideration, the FIR registered in Varanasi marks the first formal criminal case in connection with the controversy.
The development has further intensified the political standoff between the ruling BJP and the Opposition, with both sides standing by their respective positions. As the investigation progresses, police are expected to examine the complaint, available evidence, and the circumstances surrounding the Parliament protest before taking any further action.
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