Telangana: VHP complains to ECI, seeks action against KTR for making derogatory comments on “Jai Shri Ram” slogan

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Telangana unit, complained with the Central and State Chief Election Commissioners, on Saturday, accusing K Taraka Rama Rao (KTR), the former IT Minister and working president of Bharata Rastra Samiti, of making derogatory statements about the slogan “JAl SHRI RAM” and harming and offending Hindu sentiments.

Dr R Shashidhar, State Joint Secretary of VHP Telangana, stated in his complaint to ECI, “On the 2nd of April 2024, during a BRS party meeting held in Mallkajgiri Parliament constituency, KTR made derogatory remarks demeaning the sacred slogan “Jai Shri Ram.” During his speech, ”If children chant “Jai Shri Ram.” we should inform them that merely chanting this slogan will not fill their stomachs and Jai Sriram slogan will not provide jobs to them,” this not only trivialises the significance of the revered name of Bhagavan Sri Ram but also denigrates the beliefs and sentiments of millions of Hindus across the world.”

Speaking to Organiser, Dr Shashidhar, said  “KTR’s remarks not only insulted Bhagwan Sri Ram but also implied that chanting the sacred slogan holds no practical value, which is highly offensive and hurtful to the sentiments of the Hindu community. His blatant disregard for the religious sensitivities of a large section of society is deeply concerning and indicative of a deliberate attempt to incite communal discord.”

VHP in its letter, VHP demanded that ECI initiate legal proceedings against KTR for his offensive remarks and incitement of communal disharmony and cancel the registration of the Bharat Rastra Samithi (BRS) for its role in promoting communal hatred and disharmony.

The complaint also recalled the incident of 2019 that happened during general elections, where the then Chief Minister and president of Telangana Rashtra Sarnithi (TRS), now BRS, K. Chandrashekar Rao, made derogatory remarks against Hindus by stating “Hindu gallu bondu gallu, daridrulu,” and also denigrated the holy land of Sri Rama Janmabhoomi and compared it to the birthplaces of demons.

These statements caused widespread outrage among the Hindu community and prompted a strong warning from the Election Commission of India to TRS (BRS) and KCR.