Bhopal: Workers of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal staged a protest in Bhopal on Saturday against the Opposition’s demonstration in Parliament over alleged irregularities in offerings made to the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The protesters accused the Congress of hurting Hindu sentiments.

Hundreds of VHP and Bajrang Dal workers gathered at Vyapam Square before marching towards Link Road. Police had erected barricades to stop the march, and a brief scuffle broke out when some protesters attempted to cross them. The situation was later brought under control.

Protesters Raise Slogans, Burn Rahul Gandhi’s Effigy

During the demonstration, protesters raised slogans against Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Independent MP Pappu Yadav. They also smeared cow dung on an effigy of Rahul Gandhi before setting it on fire.

VHP Madhya Bharat Provincial Co-Minister Jitendra Chauhan alleged that the Opposition’s protest in Parliament had insulted Hindu faith.

He claimed that the manner in which the protest was held, including allegations that a picture of Ram Lalla was placed on the ground, had hurt the sentiments of millions of Hindus.

BJP Targets Opposition Over Parliament Protest

BJP MLA from Bhopal Rameshwar Sharma also criticised the Congress and Rahul Gandhi over the Parliament protest, alleging that the Opposition had repeatedly shown disrespect towards Lord Ram and Hindu beliefs.

He said the protest had hurt the sentiments of Ram devotees and warned that such actions would not be accepted by the public.

Opposition Says Protest Was for Transparency

The protest in Bhopal was held in response to a demonstration by Opposition MPs during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament over alleged irregularities in the management of offerings made by devotees at the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

During the Parliament protest, Independent MP Pappu Yadav appeared dressed as a monk while Opposition leaders demanded transparency and an inquiry into the handling of temple offerings.

While the BJP and Hindu organisations accused the Opposition of insulting Lord Ram and Hindu faith, the Opposition maintained that its protest was aimed at seeking transparency and accountability in the management of temple offerings.

Police remained deployed throughout the protest in Bhopal, and the demonstration concluded peacefully after the protesters dispersed.