Are Jitendra Awhad's Remarks Evidence of a Distorted Mentality?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Awhad's remarks have caused political backlash
- BJP and JD-U leaders accuse him of distorting religious views
- Discussion on Sanatan Dharma's relevance continues
- Calls for respectful dialogue in politics
- Intellectual discourse in politics is crucial
New Delhi, Aug 4 (NationPress) NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad's provocative comments regarding Sanatan Dharma have sparked a significant political uproar, with leaders from BJP and JD-U sharply denouncing his remarks, labeling them as indicative of a distorted mentality. They further accused him of fomenting religious division for personal political gain.
In response to Awhad, Madhya Pradesh Minister Inder Singh Parmar remarked, “Only those with a distorted mentality can harbor such beliefs. Individuals like him need to reassess their mindset. It is due to Sanatan Dharma that they possess an identity today.”
During a media interaction on Saturday, Awhad claimed, “Sanatan Dharma has devastated India. There was never a religion known as Sanatan Dharma; we adhere to Hindu Dharma.”
BJP MLA Ram Kadam also condemned Awhad’s statements, alleging that the Sharad Pawar faction is intentionally misrepresenting Hindu beliefs for appeasement politics.
“Sanatan Dharma embodies the teaching of ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah’. We regard the world as one family, prioritizing service to humanity above all. Doesn’t the Sharad Pawar faction recognize this? They wrongly associate saffron with terrorism, which is entirely misleading and a mere act of appeasement towards a specific religious group,” he stated.
JD-U's chief spokesperson Neeraj Kumar expressed disappointment, accusing Awhad of making the political discussion 'intellectually toxic'.
“I believe politics has reached a point where an atmosphere of intellectual terror prevails... Today, I learned that Hinduism is now specifically identified as Sanatan Dharma. Who holds the supreme intellectual authority here? Politicians preaching on religion should exit politics and embrace the role of spiritual leaders instead,” Kumar commented.
Despite the backlash against his contentious remarks, Dr. Awhad has remained steadfast, taking to X to assert, “Sanatan terrorism must be recognized! The existence of Sanatan terrorism is not a new issue; it has been present since ancient times.”