Hundreds stuck on MP highway as 2 groups clash over ‘Bageshwar Baba’ remarks on Lord Krishna

Conflict erupted in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur district on Friday, as rival groups clashed over controversial remarks made by Bageshwar Dham head priest Dhirendra Krishna Shastri regarding Lord Krishna and Lord Ram. The dispute quickly escalated, with supporters of the religious leader blocking a major highway and Yadav Mahasabha members attempting to march towards the shrine in an effort to protest.

Near the town of Brijpura, the Bageshwar Dham supporters managed to block the four-lane National Highway-39, causing massive traffic disruptions and leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded on both sides of the road. The authorities responded by deploying a large number of police personnel, fearing a potential violent confrontation between the two factions.

The Yadav Mahasabha had earlier announced they would protest against Shastri, demanding action over his perceived insults against Lord Krishna and threatening to lock down the Bageshwar Dham shrine.

The tension heightened further as the Yadav Mahasabha attempted to breach police barricades, prompting police to detain several members and move them to secured vehicles. The administration, in an effort to maintain law and order, called in additional police forces from outside the district and tightened security arrangements, including multiple layers of barricades.

Superintendent of Police Rajat Saklecha informed the public that police were closely monitoring the situation through CCTV cameras, drones, and other surveillance technologies. He also highlighted that social media backlash against inflammatory comments made by the preacher had led to some posts being deleted and individuals serving notices to prevent further social disharmony.

The controversy began with Shastri's speech during a Ram Katha programme in Karera, Shivpuri district on October 29. During the event, Shastri compared the forms and attributes of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna, specifically drawing attention to Lord Krishna's tribhanga posture and his association with the flute and cattle, contrasting them with Lord Ram's association with the bow and arrow.

The Yadav community, which regards Lord Krishna as a central figure in their religious and cultural identity, was offended by the remarks and accused Shastri of hurting religious sentiments.

The Yadav Mahasabha subsequently called for police action against the preacher, while Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav criticized the remarks and demanded punitive measures. In response, Shastri clarified that his remarks were taken out of context and that he did not intend to create any distinction between the two deities. He apologized in a video message, expressing his regret for any hurt or offense caused by his words.