Giriraj Singh launches 'Hindu Swabhiman Yatra' from Bhagalpur, cites threats to Hindu community
- In Reports
- 04:30 PM, Oct 18, 2024
- Myind Staff
Union Minister Giriraj Singh launched the 'Hindu Swabhiman Yatra' on Friday from Bhagalpur district in Bihar, focusing on what he described as the threats faced by the Hindu community. The yatra, which began at the Baba Budhanath temple, a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, saw religious leaders present Singh with a large "Trishul" (trident), symbolising the journey’s significance.
Speaking to reporters before embarking on the yatra, Singh stressed that Hindus, despite being the majority in India, are under threat because they are not sufficiently united. He pointed to recent incidents of violence targeting Hindus to support his claims. “Hindus are not organised, which is why they are under threat despite being in the majority. In Bahraich, a Durga Puja procession was attacked, and a similar incident occurred in Sitamarhi, Bihar. Such incidents happen frequently, even though Hindus have never disrespected Tazia processions during Muharram. I have participated in Tazia processions myself,” Singh said, emphasising the need for the community to be more vigilant and unified.
Singh clarified that the yatra is a personal initiative, not a formal event organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). “This yatra is not a programme organised by my party. I was born a Hindu, shall die a Hindu, and I feel it is my duty to ensure my community's safety," he remarked, positioning the journey as a deeply personal mission. He also highlighted his desire to engage directly with grassroots workers and the general public to gather insights into the ground realities.
The Union Minister touched upon the plight of Hindus in neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan, arguing that they have faced continued persecution. Singh also revisited a long-standing critique of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, stating that Nehru did not act upon Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's recommendation for a complete population exchange during the Partition of India, which, according to Singh, would have ensured better protection for Hindus.
Singh's decision to start the yatra in Bhagalpur is deeply symbolic. Bhagalpur has been the site of historical Hindu-Muslim clashes, most notably the deadly riots in 1989 that left a deep scar on the community. Singh referred to Bhagalpur’s “many old wounds” as part of the reason for choosing the district as the launchpad for the yatra, making it clear that the location was chosen intentionally due to its past communal violence.
While the yatra is scheduled to cover several districts over the coming days, it has already drawn criticism from opposition parties, particularly the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). BJP state unit chief Dilip Jaiswal stated that he was unaware of Singh’s yatra, highlighting the party’s focus on "sabka saath, sabka vikas" (collective progress and development for all). However, BJP national spokesperson Ajay Alok defended Singh's decision, saying, “As a senior BJP leader and Union Minister, Giriraj Singh has a commitment to his faith, and he is fulfilling that.”
The Yatra also comes against the backdrop of recent communal tensions in Bahraich, where a 22-year-old man was shot dead and several others were injured during violence. Singh referenced this incident as part of the larger issue of Hindu safety and the community’s need to stay united in the face of such challenges.
Singh's 'Hindu Swabhiman Yatra' aims to engage Hindus across the state of Bihar, calling for greater unity and vigilance. As the journey progresses, it is expected to continue stirring debate, both within political circles and among the public. Whether the yatra will galvanise the Hindu community or deepen existing communal tensions remains to be seen.
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