New Delhi: Bihar’s Education Minister Chandra Shekhar Yadav is known for his anti-Sanatana dharma and anti-Hindu remarks. Yadav has once again found himself in hot water due to his controversial remarks. During an event on Hindi Diwas on September 14, 2023, Chandrashekhar said that the Ramcharitmanas, a revered Hindu religious text based on the Ramayana, contains “some contents that are similar to potassium cyanide (poison)”. He went on to say that the scriptures of Hinduism are like a dish with 55 types of tasty cuisine and one potassium cyanide and that he objects to the Ramcharitmanas’ teachings.
I.N.D.I alliance attack on Sanatan Dharma continues,
Now Bihar's Education Minister Chandrashekhar-If 55 types of dishes are served and potassium cyanide is mixed in it, will you eat it? There is something called Potassium Cyanide in Hindu Scriptures.pic.twitter.com/kgsDIgNCSM
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) September 15, 2023
It is not the first time that the minister has stoked controversy. In January 2023, Chandra Shekhar had said that Ramcharitmanas spreads hatrded in the society. While addressing a gathering on the occassion of the 15th convocation ceremony of Nalanda Open University, the minister had said, “Ramcharitmanas was opposed because it said that the lower section of society becomes poisonous if they get educated. Books like Ramcharitmanas, Manusmriti and MS Golwalkar’s Bunch of Thoughts created a social divide.”
I.N.D.I अलायन्स का सनातन पर फिर विवादित बयान।
सनातन धर्म के पवित्र पुस्तक रामचरितमानस की तुलना पोटैशियम सायनाइड से की।
RJD के शिक्षा मंत्री चद्रशेखर ने की तुलना।
चंद्रशेखर ने पहले भी रामचरितमानस को समाज में नफरत फैलाने वाला कहा है। pic.twitter.com/Zqbjoxys2C
— Panchjanya (@epanchjanya) September 15, 2023
'सिर्फ विवादित बयान देने के अलावा इन शिक्षा मंत्री का और कोई काम नहीं है, हम मांग करते हैं… ऐसे शिक्षा मंत्री को इनके पद से हटा देना चाहिए'
बिहार के शिक्षा मंत्री चंद्रशेखर यादव के रामचरितमानस पर दिये विवादित बयान को लेकर चिराग पासवान ने किया पलटवार।#Chandrashekhar… pic.twitter.com/JSks1oNO6l
— Bihar Tak (@BiharTakChannel) September 15, 2023
Yadav interpreted a verse as suggesting that individuals from lower castes, including Dalits, backward classes, and women, were not entitled to education. However, this interpretation was widely disputed, as the original verse did not contain the term “poisonous,” as claimed by Yadav. In fact, the verse conveyed a sense of joy and fulfillment after acquiring knowledge, akin to a snake drinking milk.
In February 2023, Chandra Shekhar Yadav reaffirmed his stance, vowing to continue questioning and criticizing the Ramcharitmanas, asserting that several verses in the text required revision.
BJP along with Chirag Paswan hits back over anti-Hindu rant
BJP Spokesperson Shehzaad Poonawala hit back and said,” But INDI alliance won’t boycott those who target Hindus on a daily basis ! They are boycotting media! Attack media, attack Hindu Astha = agenda of INDI alliance as decided by Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh,Kejriwal,Tejaswi , Mamata Di & others ? Ponmudy has already stated the same!”
https://twitter.com/Shehzad_Ind/status/1702595106904404348?s=20
BJP leader Sambit Patra says, “…All the people of INDI Alliance are full of venom for Hinduism and it is reflected in all of their statements…He says that Ramcharitmanas is Potassium Cyanide. Crores of people have their devotion placed in it…Those who have the audacity to call ‘Ram’ a venom are questioning the basic belief of this country and hurting it. Public will boycott them…”
#WATCH | On Bihar Education Minister Chandra Shekhar's "Ramcharitmanas Potassium Cyanide" remark, BJP leader Sambit Patra says, "…All the people of INDI Alliance are full of venom for Hinduism and it is reflected in all of their statements…He says that Ramcharitmanas is… pic.twitter.com/hzx1q2GbFc
— ANI (@ANI) September 15, 2023
Bihar LoP Vijay Sinha says,”…Where is it written in the Constitution that secularism means abusing your own religion…This is mental perversion…”
#WATCH | Patna: On Bihar Minister Chandra Shekhar's statement that Ramcharitmanas contains Potassium Cyanide, Bihar LoP Vijay Sinha says,"…Where is it written in the Constitution that secularism means abusing your own religion…This is mental perversion…" pic.twitter.com/8xAKJHLXKl
— ANI (@ANI) September 15, 2023
LJP (Ram Vilas) Chief Chirag Paswan says, “…He is the education minister of that state where for years the courses are not over. Where the quality of primary education is degrading. Where there is no infrastructure and benches for students…By giving these controversial statements, anyone can identify that this will give rise to division in society…For once, did the education Minister try to know, why students of Bihar are attempting suicide in Kota…”
#WATCH | Patna, Bihar: On the Bihar Education Minister Chandra Shekhar's statement that Ramcharitmanas contains potassium cyanide, LJP (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan says, "…He is the education minister of that state where for years the courses are not over. Where the… pic.twitter.com/ZvzQEBod97
— ANI (@ANI) September 15, 2023
UP Minister Jitin Prasada says,”…The INDIA alliance and its leaders talk on ending Sanatan Dharma…In the coming time, the public will give an answer to this…Those who talk about ending Sanatan Dharma will themselves end…”
#WATCH | Lucknow: On Bihar Minister Chandra Shekhar's statement that Ramcharitmanas contains Potassium Cyanide, UP Minister Jitin Prasada says,"…The INDIA alliance and its leaders talk on ending Sanatan Dharma…In the coming time, the public will give an answer to this…Those… pic.twitter.com/3gI4hSyxdt
— ANI (@ANI) September 15, 2023
Of late , it has been observed that political parties belonging to the I.N.D.I Alliance are spewing venom agaisnt Hindu religion and Sanatana Dharma. Prominent among them are the DMK leaders who of late have stooped to a new low as they criticized Sanatana Dharma.
