BJP uses skit as ammo, claims 'insult' to Hinduism

NEW DELHI: BJP Tuesday seized upon independent MP Pappu Yadav's depiction of a saffron clad sadhu who steals offerings and opposition MPs dragging him as part of a skit to hit back at its rivals for "insulting" Hinduism and asserted that they will suffer political consequences for their "unpardonable" act.The Purnia MP had staged the skit on Parliament's premises to target BJP for the embezzlement of offerings made by devotees at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, but his role-play of a sadhu has drawn disapproval even from within opposition and given the governing party an opening to reiterate its accusation that its rivals often insult Hindu sentiments.SP MP Ram Gopal Yadav said the skit should not have happened as sadhus had nothing to do with the theft of donations.Slamming opposition, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra asked if opposition MPs would have dared to show priests of any other religion in a similar manner. "Not only India but the world would be jolted if religious leader of any other religion is seen to be dragged and beaten up as a thief. Your insult of Hinduism on Parliament's premises is unpardonable. Time will tell about its consequences as the battle is yet to begin," Patra said in a likely reference to UP assembly polls.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.