Bageshwar Dham head Dhirendra Shastri’s arrival on a government aircraft in Chhattisgarh has triggered a sharp political controversy, with the Congress alleging misuse of public resources and the BJP strongly defending the move.
A video that went viral on social media shows Shastri alighting from a government aircraft at Raipur airport along with state minister Guru Khushwant Saheb. The clip also shows an on-duty police officer saluting the minister and then touching Shastri’s feet, an act that has drawn mixed reactions online.
Chhattisgarh Congress communication department head Sushil Anand Shukla alleged that arranging a government aircraft for Shastri amounted to a “wastage of public money” and “misuse of the state exchequer.” He questioned under which constitutional provision the aircraft was made available to the preacher and demanded an official clarification from the state government.
Shukla claimed that Shastri is neither a recognised religious head nor the peethadhishwar of an established shrine or ashram. He further alleged that the preacher’s statements promote social discord and go against India’s composite culture. Referring to Lord Hanuman, Shukla said the deity symbolises tolerance, bravery and forgiveness, and those invoking his name must reflect these values. “Superstition and hypocrisy cannot survive for long,” he added.
The incident has sparked intense debate on social media. Several users criticised the alleged use of a government aircraft for a religious figure and described the police officer’s gesture as a “mockery of uniform ethics.” Others defended the officer, arguing that after performing official protocol by saluting the minister, he merely expressed his personal faith.
The BJP hit back at the Congress, rejecting the allegations. State BJP chief spokesperson and MP Santosh Pandey said there should be no objection if a police officer bows to a religious guru out of personal belief. “Railway and airport staff offer namaz at public places. Why does it trouble the Congress when a police officer bows before a guru?” he asked.
On the aircraft issue, Pandey countered by asking the Congress to explain instances during its own tenure when government helicopters and planes were allegedly used by religious figures, accusing the party of targeting Sanatan Dharma.
Our Thoughts
The controversy highlights the recurring tension between faith, politics and the use of state resources in India. While personal belief and religious expression remain individual choices, the optics of official machinery being linked to religious figures often raise legitimate questions about neutrality and accountability. The episode also reflects how symbolism — from a police officer’s gesture to the mode of travel — can quickly escalate into a larger political flashpoint in a polarised environment.