Krishna Controversy: Akhilesh Yadav And Raja Bhaiya Clash Over Baba Bageshwar

The political debate in Uttar Pradesh has once again centred on religious identity following controversial remarks by Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, popularly known as Baba Bageshwar, about Lord Ram and Lord Krishna. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has criticised Shastri and urged the state administration not to grant permission for events that could disturb social harmony. His remarks have drawn a strong response from Kunda MLA Raja Bhaiya, who defended the religious preacher and questioned the criticism directed at those speaking about Sanatan Dharma. Raja Bhaiya also argued that Hindu religious figures should receive support rather than face opposition. Meanwhile, Shastri reportedly told a journalist that he had apologised for his remarks, clarified that he was a devotee of Lord Krishna and believed the controversy should end. His scheduled programmes across Uttar Pradesh have added another dimension to the political debate. The reported schedule includes religious events in Ambedkar Nagar, Gonda, Jhansi, Lucknow and Agra between November and December. The controversy has also raised questions about the intersection of religious events, social harmony and electoral politics ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.