Opposition Leaders Accused of Mocking Saffron Symbol, VHP Calls for Suspension

Surat – On August 5 the World Hindu Council (VHP) delivered a memorandum to the district collector demanding swift punitive measures against a group of opposition parliamentarians accused of insulting Sanatan tradition.

Sitaram Das Maharaj, a senior saint representative, said the remarks made by MP Pappu Yadav displayed a mindset akin to that of Pakistan and that he should be barred from the Indian Parliament. He further argued that the saffron colour, cherished by saints and leaders such as Swami Vivekananda and Uttar Pradesh’s chief minister Yogi Adityanath, must not be defamed.

VHP treasurer Dinesh Navadia pointed out that during a recent Lok Sabha session, legislators including Pappu Yadav, Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav and MP Avadhesh Prasad, allegedly engaged in conduct that disrespected the sanctity of the saint community.

While a Special Investigation Team is probing a theft at the Ayodhya Ram Temple – resulting in eight arrests unrelated to any saint – the VHP insists the opposition’s actions have inflamed communal feelings. The council urges the President to order the cancellation of the accused MPs’ memberships, lodge FIRs and ensure rigorous legal proceedings.