The BJP in Madhya Pradesh has filed a police complaint against Congress MLA from Sheopur, Babu Jandel, over his “objectionable comments” against Lord Shiva. The Congress leader denied the charges.
Jandel is believed to have made the remarks in a video while intoxicated. The 59-year-old is a farmer.
His election affidavit from 2023 lists charges related to obscene acts and songs against Lord Shiva. Other charges listed in the affidavit include acts endangering the life or personal safety of others; obstructing public servant in the discharge of public functions; insulting the modesty of women; rioting and use of criminal force to deter a public servant from discharge of his duty. He also has pending cases under the SC/ST Protection Act, the Electricity Act, and the Insults to National Honour Act.
The complaint by the BJP was filed before the Bhopal Superintendent of Police for hurting the sentiments of “Lord Shiva, his devotees and the women power.”
Former BJP MP Alok Sanjar, who has filed the complaint, said Jandel had made his remarks as part of a well-thought-out conspiracy aimed at angering women who worship Shiva and believe in the deity so that they turn violent.
The complaint draws attention to the fact that Jandel’s ‘character’ has been dubious in matters concerning women. In March 2023, a female police officer had lodged an FIR against him for abusing her while she was on duty.
Jandel said the video, in which he is alleged to have made the remarks against Lord Shiva, has been heavily edited, and added that he is a Shiva devotee himself. He claimed that the video in question was an old one, being circulated again to hurt his party’s chances in the November 13 bypoll at Vijaypur.
Meanwhile, the Hindu Mahasabha staged a protest against Jandel’s remarks.