New Delhi: Influential priest Dhirendra Shastri delivered a communal speech during the Sanatan Hindu Ekta Yatra in Mathura. He told the gathering that one billion Hindus would drive Muslims out of India. He framed his statements as a warning to Muslims and claimed Hindus had been forced out of Kashmir. His remarks targeted India’s Muslims and attacked the country’s secular structure.
Shastri accused Muslims of terrorism. He said Muslim families must focus on modern education. He singled out madrasas and accused them of teaching violence. He said Muslim citizens would lose their place in India if they did not reform their educational system. He linked his threats to the recent blast near Delhi’s Red Fort in which 13 people died.
He told the crowd that Muslims would face the fate of displaced Kashmiri Pandits. He said their homes and property would be destroyed and their families uprooted. He said Hindus from across the world had taken shelter in India. He demanded an explanation from Muslims on where they would go if unrest continued in India.
During his speech, Shastri asked Hindus to attend the next meeting of his padyatra in large numbers. He said the turnout should be large enough to unsettle Muslims. A video of his remarks circulated online and prompted sharp reaction from civil society groups.
Shastri’s padyatra began in Delhi and ended in Mathura. The march promoted the idea of a Hindu nation. Several BJP leaders, state ministers, actors, and sportspersons attended the events. Chief ministers from Madhya Pradesh and Haryana were present. Prominent entertainers and athletes also joined the gathering.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has earlier expressed support for Shastri. He referred to him as a younger brother and praised his outreach. The recent speech has renewed debate on hate speech and safety for minority communities.
