UP cleric's 'Krishna was Muslim' remarks spark protests, arrest demands
Synopsis
A month-old video of UP-based cleric Maulana Jarjis Ansari claiming Lord Krishna was a Muslim who prayed five times a day has exploded into a national controversy — resurfacing precisely as the Krishna Janmabhoomi dispute heats up. With a ₹10 lakh bounty announced and cross-party condemnation pouring in, the incident illustrates how viral timing can transform a regional speech into a flashpoint for communal tension.
Key Takeaways
Maulana Jarjis Ansari , a Uttar Pradesh -based cleric, claimed at a Jharkhand event on 23 June that Lord Krishna was a Muslim who offered namaz five times a day.
The video resurfaced in mid- July amid the ongoing Krishna Janmabhoomi dispute, triggering widespread protests and arrest demands.
Ayodhya-based saint Mahamandaleshwar Vishnu Das announced a ₹10 lakh reward in a statement widely criticised by legal observers.
Political condemnation came from across party lines — BJP , Congress , and the Jharkhand opposition all denounced the remarks.
VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal linked the incident to a prior controversy involving Arshad Madani ’s remarks about Lord Shankar in Delhi .
No formal police case had been confirmed publicly as of the time of reporting; the cleric had not issued a retraction.
Uttar Pradesh-based Islamic cleric Maulana Jarjis Ansari has triggered a sharp communal backlash after a video surfaced showing him claiming that Lord Krishna was a Muslim who offered namaz five times a day. The video, reportedly recorded during a religious address in Jharkhand on 23 June, resurfaced in mid-July amid the ongoing Krishna Janmabhoomi dispute, drawing furious reactions from Hindu groups, saints, and political leaders who are demanding the cleric's arrest.
What Ansari Said
In the viral address, Ansari reportedly stated: “If our brothers do not mind, then even Krishna ji used to offer prayers five times a day. If you do not believe, then see the 10th verse of the 6th chapter of Shri Bhagavad Gita.” He then recited the verse in support of his claim. He further alleged that “if these Hindu Muslims read their books… they will start loving Islam,” calling Islam “the religion of the world.”
The remarks have been widely condemned as a deliberate misinterpretation of Hindu scripture. Critics note that Lord Krishna is a figure from texts predating Islam by thousands of years — a point raised by several religious and political voices in response.
Outrage from Hindu Saints and Seers
Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya, Peethadheeshwar of Tapasvi Chhawani, declared the statement “baseless, without evidence, inhumane, and capable of disturbing peace in the country,” asserting that “Lord Shri Krishna, the Divine Purushottam, was the Supreme Being and God Himself.”
Deveshacharya Ji Maharaj called the remarks “unfortunate and reprehensible,” adding: “The Maulana has lost his mind. That is why he is making such absurd statements. He knows nothing about Lord Krishna… claiming that Lord Krishna recited the Kalma and offered namaz is a very unfortunate statement.”
Ayodhya-based saint Mahamandaleshwar Vishnu Das announced a ₹10 lakh reward, saying: “Whoever cuts off his tongue will be rewarded with ₹10 lakh. He has hurt the religious sentiments of Lord Krishna’s devotees. He does not know even a single word of Sanskrit and is misinterpreting verses from the Bhagavad Gita.”
Mahant Nirmal Giri of Kailash Temple accused Ansari of running a sustained campaign against Sanatan Dharma, stating: “He always makes such nonsensical statements wherever he gives speeches… He has created a kind of propaganda about how to attack Sanatan Dharma.”
Political Reactions Cut Across Party Lines
Former minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Mohsin Raza demanded an investigation into the cleric’s organisational affiliations and alleged that opposition parties “keep such Maulvis with them so that they can insult our deities and attack Sanatan culture.”
Babulal Marandi, Leader of Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly, questioned the intent behind the remarks, saying: “Who is he trying to explain this to? Is he addressing Hindus or Muslims? If he is speaking to Hindus, then there is nothing to worry about because Hindus already worship Lord Krishna.”
Congress leader Mahendra Pratap Singh also condemned the statement: “This is highly condemnable and extremely unfortunate. He should apologise immediately to the Sanatan and Hindu communities… Islam came around 1,400 years ago, whereas Lord Krishna existed more than 5,000 years ago. So what kind of statements is he making?”
Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) spokesperson Vinod Bansal linked the incident to a broader pattern, citing a previous instance where Arshad Madani had allegedly made similar remarks about Lord Shankar at a rally in Delhi.
Context: Timing and the Janmabhoomi Dispute
The video’s resurgence is notable for its timing. The Krishna Janmabhoomi case — a long-running legal and political dispute over a site in Mathura — has kept religious sensitivities around Lord Krishna elevated in recent months. The original speech was delivered on 23 June in Jharkhand; the month-long delay before it went viral suggests the clip may have been amplified deliberately, though the source of its recirculation has not been independently verified.
No formal police case had been publicly confirmed as of the time of reporting, though multiple Hindu organisations have submitted complaints demanding Ansari’s arrest under provisions related to promoting enmity between religious groups.
What Happens Next
Pressure is mounting on law enforcement in both Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand to act. The ₹10 lakh bounty announced by Mahamandaleshwar Vishnu Das has itself drawn attention, with legal observers noting that such statements could attract scrutiny under incitement provisions. The cleric has not issued a public response or retraction as of the time of reporting. With the Krishna Janmabhoomi matter still before the courts, the controversy is unlikely to recede quickly.
Point of View
A month-long lag, a viral resurgence timed to an existing flashpoint — in this case, the Krishna Janmabhoomi dispute. Whether the recirculation was organic or orchestrated, the effect is the same: a localised provocation becomes a national communal story. What’s striking is that condemnation from Congress leader Mahendra Pratap Singh was as sharp as that from BJP’s Mohsin Raza, suggesting the remarks crossed a line even within the cleric’s perceived political ecosystem. The ₹10 lakh bounty for physical harm, however, is itself a serious incitement — one that received far less scrutiny in the political response than it deserves. Accountability here cannot be selective.
NationPress
16 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Maulana Jarjis Ansari say about Lord Krishna?
Ansari claimed at a religious event that Lord Krishna was a Muslim who offered namaz five times a day, citing the 10th verse of the 6th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita as supposed evidence. The remarks have been widely condemned as a misinterpretation of Hindu scripture.
When and where was the controversial speech delivered?
The speech was reportedly delivered in Jharkhand on 23 June. The video resurfaced in mid-July, nearly a month later, coinciding with heightened attention on the Krishna Janmabhoomi dispute.
What action have Hindu groups demanded?
Multiple Hindu organisations have demanded Ansari’s arrest under provisions related to promoting enmity between religious communities. Ayodhya-based saint Mahamandaleshwar Vishnu Das also announced a ₹10 lakh reward, a statement that has itself drawn legal scrutiny.
How have political leaders responded?
Condemnation has come from across party lines. BJP leader Mohsin Raza called for an investigation into the cleric’s affiliations; Congress leader Mahendra Pratap Singh demanded an immediate apology; and Jharkhand’s Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi questioned the intent of the remarks.
Has Maulana Jarjis Ansari responded or been arrested?
As of the time of reporting, Ansari had not issued a public retraction or apology, and no formal police case had been publicly confirmed. Pressure on law enforcement in both Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand is reportedly mounting.
