‘Kanwariyas are addicts and terrorists’: Maulana Sajid Rashidi targets Shiva devotees, claims they take out processions to create disturbances

As devotees across India celebrate the holy month of Shravan with prayers dedicated to Lord Shiva, a controversial statement by All India Imam Association president Maulana Sajid Rashidi has triggered widespread outrage. Rashidi referred to Kanwar Yatra pilgrims as “terrorists”, drawing sharp criticism from Hindu religious leaders and sparking demands for legal action.

The remarks have provoked strong reactions from the Sant community and many Hindu organisations, with critics alleging that the comments have deeply hurt the religious sentiments of millions of devotees. The controversy has also intensified political and social debate, with calls mounting for authorities to act against Rashidi.

Rashidi alleges Kanwariyas engage in drunkenness, violence

In the controversial remarks, Rashidi claimed that many participants in the Kanwar Yatra join the pilgrimage not out of devotion but to consume intoxicants and create disturbances. He alleged that such individuals drink alcohol on public roads, assault police personnel, vandalise school vans, injure children, and obstruct ambulances.

He further claimed that forcing patients or others to chant religious slogans cannot be considered an act of devotion and questioned whether such conduct reflected the teachings of Lord Shiva. Rashidi also alleged that some Kanwariyas engage in public disorder, dancing on roads and consuming intoxicants in large quantities.

During the course of his remarks, he described such individuals as “addicts” and “terrorists”, while adding that he was not referring to all Kanwar pilgrims.

Remarks against CM Yogi Adityanath, loudspeaker issue

Rashidi also targeted Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during his remarks. Referring to restrictions on offering namaz on public roads, he alleged that while the Chief Minister speaks against public inconvenience during prayers, Kanwariyas are allowed to occupy roads during the pilgrimage.

He further commented on the removal of loudspeakers from mosques in West Bengal, arguing that Muslims comply with the Supreme Court’s directions restricting the use of loudspeakers between 10 pm and 6 am and within prescribed decibel limits. He claimed that forcibly removing loudspeakers from mosques was illegal and unconstitutional.

Saints condemn remarks, seek public apology

The comments drew immediate condemnation from the Sant community. Mahamandaleshwar Rupendra Prakash described the Kanwar Yatra as one of India’s holiest religious pilgrimages, saying millions of Lord Shiva devotees participate in it every year with devotion, discipline and faith.

He said branding Kanwariyas as terrorists was deeply offensive and amounted to an attack on the religious sentiments of millions of Hindus. He urged the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand to take immediate cognisance of the matter and initiate appropriate legal action.

Religious leaders have also demanded that Rashidi issue an unconditional public apology to the Hindu community and Kanwar pilgrims. They argued that strict action should be taken against individuals making controversial remarks about religious beliefs, warning that such statements have the potential to disturb communal harmony and social peace.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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