Did Bhopal BJP MLA Sabnani Critique NCP-SP’s Awhad Over His Comments on Sanatan Dharma?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Bhagwandas Sabnani strongly condemned Jitendra Awhad for his remarks.
- Awhad's comments reflect a perceived lack of understanding of Sanatan Dharma.
- The incident raised questions about the intention behind political statements.
- Political figures from various parties criticized Awhad's remarks.
- The controversy underscores the sensitivity surrounding religious discussions in India.
Bhopal, Aug 4 (NationPress) BJP MLA from Bhopal, Bhagwandas Sabnani, vehemently condemned Nationalist Congress Party-Sharad Pawar (NCP-SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad for his provocative statements regarding Sanatan Dharma on Monday.
Sabnani, a newly elected representative from Bhopal's South-West Assembly constituency and the party’s state general secretary (organisation), remarked that Awhad’s comments reveal a superficial understanding of Hindu philosophy and traditions.
“It appears that Awhad lacks genuine insight into Sanatan Dharma. If he had thoroughly examined its tenets, he wouldn’t have uttered such remarks. One needs to read and comprehend before making statements,” Sabnani expressed, responding to Awhad’s comments.
The BJP leader emphasized that the objective behind such remarks is more crucial than the remarks themselves.
“Those who belittle Sanatan Dharma or Hindutva demonstrate a narrow perspective. Sanatan Dharma is deeply entrenched and steadfast—it will remain unaffected by such comments. However, we must inquire—whose narrative are they promoting, who stands to gain from it, and what is their true agenda? Awhad ought to retract his statement and publicly apologize,” Sabnani stated in an interview with IANS.
Awhad’s comments, made in Mumbai on Sunday, ignited political outrage nationwide. During a media interaction concerning the verdict in the Malegaon blast case—where all seven accused, including former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur, were acquitted—Awhad remarked, “Sanatan Dharma has devastated India.”
He further asserted, “There has never been a religion known as Sanatan Dharma. We adhere to Hindu Dharma. It was this so-called Sanatan Dharma that denied Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj his rightful coronation, tarnished Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's legacy, and its followers even attempted to assassinate Jyotirao Phule.”
His remarks drew intense backlash from various factions, including BJP MP Medha Kulkarni and Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC, who condemned Awhad for what they termed an assault on India's spiritual and cultural foundation.