Durg, Chhattisgarh: Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has entered the ongoing controversy over the entry of youths from a particular community into a Garba pandal in Durg, criticising the Bajrang Dal and the BJP while invoking India’s cultural diversity and traditions. He also took aim at Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, saying that those who make major statements abroad should first put their own house in order.
Baghel visited the Garba celebration organised by the Durg Navnirman Samiti a day after a confrontation reportedly broke out between Bajrang Dal workers and committee office-bearers over the entry of youths from a particular community. He participated in the Maha Aarti of Goddess Durga amid heightened police security at the pandal and surrounding areas.
Following the religious ceremony, the former chief minister spoke to the media and addressed the controversy, India’s religious traditions and the future of the Bhilai Steel Plant.
Bhupesh Baghel Criticises Bajrang Dal and BJP
Addressing the media after the Maha Aarti, Baghel emphasised that India’s cultural strength lies in its diversity and the coexistence of different traditions.
He pointed out that Chhattisgarh has several forms of religious worship and cultural expression, including the worship of Sheetla Mata, Jawara traditions, Seva Geet and prominent religious centres such as Dongargarh, Dantewada and Ratanpur’s Mahamaya temple.
According to Baghel, Durga Puja, which has strong roots in Bengal, and Garba, associated with Gujarat, have become celebrations enjoyed by people across the country. He said that people from different regions and communities participate in these traditions, reflecting India’s unity in diversity.
His remarks came amid the dispute over the participation of youths from a particular community in the Durg Garba event and the reported opposition by Bajrang Dal workers.
Targets RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat
Baghel also criticised RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, referring to statements attributed to him regarding the treatment of Muslims and the meaning of Hindu identity.
The former chief minister argued that those who speak about religious harmony and the treatment of minorities should ensure consistency between their statements and the conduct of organisations associated with them.
Referring to Bhagwat’s reported remarks abroad that a person who harasses or persecutes Muslims cannot be considered Hindu, Baghel said that his statements and the prevailing circumstances needed to be examined together.
“Those who go abroad and make big statements should first put their own house in order,” Baghel said, taking a political swipe at the RSS leadership.
His comments added a political dimension to the Garba controversy, which has drawn attention to questions of religious participation, cultural traditions and the role of organisations seeking to regulate entry into religious events.
‘India Is a Land of Diverse Philosophies and Traditions’
Responding to questions concerning idol worship, Baghel said that Indian philosophical traditions encompass a wide range of beliefs and practices, including traditions that do not centre on idol worship.
He referred to Sankhya philosophy, Patanjali’s philosophical tradition, Kabir Panth and the teachings associated with Guru Nanak Dev to underline the diversity of religious and spiritual thought in India.
Baghel argued that an understanding of the country’s philosophical heritage is essential before making sweeping statements about religion, faith and worship.
He maintained that India’s spiritual traditions cannot be reduced to a single form of religious practice, as the country has historically accommodated different approaches to spirituality and religious expression.
‘Bhilai Steel Plant Will Not Be Allowed to Be Sold’
Apart from the Garba controversy, Baghel raised concerns over discussions surrounding the possible privatisation of the Bhilai Steel Plant and issued a strong warning against any move to sell the facility.
Describing the Bhilai Steel Plant as a vital part of Chhattisgarh’s identity and the country’s economy, he said the industrial establishment has immense economic and social significance for the region.
Baghel specifically referred to concerns about the possibility of the plant being acquired by the Adani Group and asserted that such a move would face opposition.
“If anyone thinks that Adani will buy Bhilai, that will not be allowed,” he said, warning that a sustained struggle would be launched to protect the plant.
The former chief minister declared that the Bhilai Steel Plant would not be allowed to be sold at any cost, stressing its importance to the state’s industrial development, employment and economic interests.
His remarks bring the future of the major public sector steel facility into the wider political debate over privatisation, public sector assets and industrial policy.
Tight Security at Garba Venue
In view of the previous day’s confrontation between Bajrang Dal workers and Garba committee representatives, police maintained heightened security at the venue and in surrounding areas during Baghel’s visit.
The former chief minister’s participation in the Maha Aarti and subsequent media interaction brought further attention to the dispute, with his remarks focusing on cultural inclusivity, religious traditions and political accountability.
The controversy has also highlighted the broader debate over participation in public religious celebrations and the competing interpretations of tradition, community identity and social harmony.
Political Debate Extends Beyond Garba
Baghel’s visit brought together two prominent issues in Chhattisgarh’s political discourse: the Garba participation controversy in Durg and concerns over the future of the Bhilai Steel Plant.
While his comments on the Garba dispute focused on India’s cultural diversity and criticism of the RSS and BJP, his remarks on Bhilai underscored opposition to any potential privatisation of the major steel facility.
The developments are likely to keep both issues in public discussion, particularly questions concerning religious participation in cultural events and the future ownership and management of strategically important public sector industries.
Note: The remarks attributed to Bhupesh Baghel reflect his position as reported in the supplied account. The possibility of a sale or privatisation of the Bhilai Steel Plant has not been independently established in this report.
