Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned those who mock India’s religious and cultural traditions. He accused them of trying to divide society and weaken the country.
Speaking in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, he laid the foundation stone of the Bageshwar Dham Medical and Science Research Centre. He warned against forces working against national unity.
बागेश्वर धाम में बाला जी सरकार के दर्शन-पूजन का सौभाग्य मिला। उनसे देशवासियों की सुख-समृद्धि और कल्याण की कामना की। pic.twitter.com/atbEulAjj6
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 23, 2025
Attack on Religion and Culture
Modi said some leaders openly ridicule religion and spread divisions. He also claimed foreign forces support such efforts.
"Nowadays, we see a group of leaders who mock religion, ridicule it, and engage in dividing people. Many times, foreign powers also try to weaken the country and religion by supporting these people," he stated.
He added that hatred toward Hindu beliefs has existed for centuries. "People trapped in the mentality of slavery keep attacking our faith, beliefs, temples, religion, culture, and principles. They even criticize our festivals, traditions, and customs," he said.
Praise for Dhirendra Krishna Shastri
PM Modi praised Bageshwar Dham chief Dhirendra Krishna Shastri for promoting unity. He lauded Shastri’s efforts to spread harmony and his plan to build a cancer institute.
"In this time, Dhirendra Shastri has been making people aware of the mantra of unity for a long time. Now, he has taken up another resolution for society and humanity—the construction of this cancer institute. That means now, here in Bageshwar Dham, you will receive the blessings of bhajan, food, and a healthy life," Modi said.
ये अत्यंत प्रसन्नता की बात है कि बागेश्वर धाम में कैंसर मरीजों के लिए एक बड़ा अस्पताल खुलने जा रहा है। लेकिन कैंसर से सुरक्षा को लेकर आपको मेरी ये बात जरूर याद रखनी है… pic.twitter.com/posYPijHem
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 23, 2025
Response to Maha Kumbh Criticism
PM Modi’s remarks came amid criticism of the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. The BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government has faced backlash over stampede incidents and alleged mismanagement. Opposition leaders, including RJD’s Lalu Prasad Yadav and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, have raised concerns.
Despite the criticism, Modi defended the Maha Kumbh. He stressed its role in strengthening India's unity. "The gathering in Prayagraj will continue to strengthen India's unity," he asserted.
यह देखकर बहुत संतोष होता है कि बागेश्वर धाम में अध्यात्म और आरोग्य के संगम से लोगों का कल्याण हो रहा है। pic.twitter.com/0dn8jg8nAe
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 23, 2025