New Delhi, Jan 9 (NationPress) Religious figure Karauli Shankar Mahadev, often referred to as Karauli Sarkar, recently weighed in on the heated discussion regarding the slogans raised at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). He suggested that instead of labeling India as a Hindu rashtra, it should be recognized as a Sanatan nation.

In an interview with IANS, he stated, "Due to such anti-national occurrences (the JNU incident), there are ongoing calls to declare the nation a Hindu country. I consistently maintain that when discussing the declaration of a Hindu nation, one must acknowledge that it embodies a singular culture and mindset - but what happens to other cultures? I firmly believe that India should be declared a Sanatan nation instead. Sanatan is not just a religion; it encompasses the Hindu way of life. All religions find their place within Sanatan..."

His comments coincided with the Delhi Police filing a First Information Report (FIR) related to a video that circulated widely on social media, reportedly showing students chanting provocative slogans on the JNU campus.

The viral video appeared to depict a faction of students associated with leftist organizations raising incendiary slogans during a gathering at the 'Guerrilla Dhaba'.

The slogans were said to be directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Authorities evaluated the content as potentially disruptive to public order.

This incident was reportedly linked to a protest concerning the ongoing judicial custody of former JNU students Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid.

Additionally, Karauli Shankar Mahadev addressed the recent demolition efforts near the Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid in Turkman Gate, Delhi, asserting, "Wherever individuals are unlawfully encroaching on land to provoke religious discord and promote what is termed 'land jihad', it is entirely unacceptable. The government's actions in such matters have the unwavering support of the entire saint community. Any genuine Sanatani will condemn such anti-religious actions, regardless of the individual’s status in power or outside of it..."

Violence erupted during the Municipal Corporation of Delhi's demolition initiative early Wednesday, after demonstrators gathered, disregarded police directives, and engaged in stone-pelting.

The FIR notes that police had cordoned off the encroached area to prevent illegal occupation and safeguard nearby buildings, including the mosque.

A group of 30-35 individuals allegedly shouted slogans and hurled stones at officers, while police attempted to negotiate with them.