Uttar Pradesh Update:
During the 'Ram Ram Dangal' event, hosted by the Religious Protection Platform along the Rapti River in Dumariaganj, Siddharthnagar, former BJP MLA Raghavendra Pratap Singh made a controversial statement. This incident, captured on video, has been rapidly shared online. The event on January 18 saw a scuffle break out between wrestlers from India and Nepal.
As tensions flared, the former MLA was informed that a Muslim wrestler instigated the fight, prompting him to publicly declare the need to 'check for circumcision.' This declaration was made in the presence of the local police chief, whose name was mentioned while suggesting this action.
Amidst Brawls, A Controversial Remark
On the last day of the wrestling event, clashes erupted between two groups of wrestlers. The former MLA took the microphone to calm tensions, but when someone identified a Muslim wrestler, Raghavendra Singh said, "Ojha Ji, check if they're Muslim by circumcision." He repeated this to the referees and the audience. Meanwhile, the referee was seen questioning a Nepali wrestler about his faith.
A History of Controversial Statements
This isn't the first time Raghavendra Pratap Singh has stirred controversy; he has previously made objectionable remarks about minorities. His recent comments, made in the presence of law enforcement, have sparked new debate. The video clearly shows him singling out the police chief to check for circumcision. The event, held since 2022, drew a large audience this year.
Source: aajtak
His Clarification
In response to the viral statement, former MLA Raghavendra Pratap Singh stated that 'Ram Ram Dangal' is a highly sacred event dedicated to the worship of Bajrangbali. He clarified that the event bans meat-eaters, particularly Muslim wrestlers. He recalled a 2024 incident where meat demand led to conflict, resulting in restrictions on Muslim attendance.
Clarifying the recent incident, he noted a Haridwar wrestler was allegedly targeted by a conspiracy. When the wrestler's Muslim identity came up, he suggested an 'investigation' and checking for circumcision. The ex-MLA justified this action by stating that misconduct had led to similar restrictions in events like Dandiya. He firmly expressed his resolve to maintain these bans, asserting that no Muslim wrestlers would be allowed in future events.
