Varanasi, August 3, 2026

An FIR has been registered in Varanasi against Purnia MP Pappu Yadav and other opposition leaders following a complaint by Mahant Balak Nath alleging insult to Sanatan Dharma during a protest skit at the Parliament complex.

What Happened?

On July 31, opposition MPs staged a demonstration outside Parliament using symbolic roles to highlight allegations surrounding Ram Mandir donations. During the protest:

• Pappu Yadav appeared dressed in saffron robes portraying a temple priest

• He carried a photograph of Ayodhya's Lord Ram

• Other MPs played devotees placing donations in a collection box

• In a scripted sequence, the "priest" was shown pocketing the money

Legal Action

FIR Details:

• Location: Kotwali police station, Varanasi

• Complainant: Mahant Balak Nath

• Named in FIR: Pappu Yadav, Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, Arvind Kejriwal, Awadhesh Prasad

Another Complaint:

• Filed at Delhi's Jehangirpuri Police Station by petitioner Surya Maithil

Official Statement:

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Kashi Zone) Gaurav Banswal: "Mahant Balak Nath Ji has submitted a formal complaint... concerning certain videos... where Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav is seen dressed in the attire of a Sant and engaging in acts that insult Sanatan Dharma. A case is being registered, and further legal action will follow."

Political Reactions

BJP's Response:

• Accused opposition of deliberately insulting Sanatan Dharma for political mileage

• Demanded strict action against those involved

• Argued the performance hurt religious sentiments of Hindus

Pappu Yadav's Defense:

"Hinduism is mine, Sanatan is mine... These people have stolen everything from the temples across the entire country. We are raising the voice of the 100 crore Sanatan-following population of the country."

Religious Leaders' Concerns

The complainant warned of taking "law in their hands" if demands were not met, stating:"The spectacle orchestrated yesterday... was neither a protest nor mere dissent; it was a mockery of Sanatan culture, a derision of the saintly community, and a scornful affront to India's traditions."