Bhopal: A fresh political and religious controversy has erupted in Chhattisgarh after former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and popular spiritual preacher Dhirendra Shastri, commonly known as Bageshwar Baba, exchanged sharp remarks over superstition, faith and claims that “Hindus are in danger.” What began as a religious discourse has now escalated into a major ideological face-off.
The flashpoint unfolded on Thursday when Shastri arrived in Bhilai for his Hanuman Katha programme. Speaking to the media before the event, he responded strongly to Baghel’s earlier statement accusing religious preachers like him and Pradeep Mishra of spreading blind faith rather than knowledge.
Shastri firmly countered the allegation saying if uniting Hindus, strengthening devotion and awakening nationalism is being called superstition, then “those who think so should leave the country.”
“I am not a politician, but this concerns faith and society. Calling devotion to Hanuman and unity among Hindus superstition is unacceptable,”
Shastri said.
Shastri Claims Hindu Population Decline; Cites Bangladesh Example
Referring to demographic concerns, Shastri claimed that the population share of another community was rising while Hindus were declining. He cited Bangladesh as a warning, saying dangers become visible if precautions aren’t taken in time.
On ‘Love Jihad’, he said families understand its seriousness only when personally affected and claimed Hindus have become minorities in several localities, making unity essential.
Speaking on religious conversions, Shastri asserted that Hindus in Chhattisgarh were now awakening and announced continuous events across the state, including a future programme in Surguja–Jashpur where the stage will be set in front of a prominent church.
Bhupesh Baghel Hits Back
Earlier in Durg, Bhupesh Baghel criticised preachers like Shastri and Pradeep Mishra, saying instead of spreading knowledge about Shiva and Hanuman, they were promoting rituals and superstition.
“The more society becomes educated, the more superstition seems to grow,”
Baghel remarked, adding that ordinary devotees understand religion better than such preachers.
He also rejected the narrative that Hindus are in danger.
Baghel said Hindus were never threatened during Mughal rule, freedom struggle or Muslim-led governments, claiming that such fear narratives emerged only after the RSS and BJP came to power. He even remarked that people now prefer calling themselves “Sanatanis” instead of Hindus.
Controversy Over Government Aircraft Use
Meanwhile, another storm is brewing over how Shastri travelled to Chhattisgarh. He reportedly arrived in Raipur on a Chhattisgarh government aircraft, after a state minister flew the same plane to Satna (Madhya Pradesh) to bring him.
A viral video from Raipur airport shows a uniformed police officer removing his shoes and touching Shastri’s feet, sparking outrage. Critics alleged misuse of government resources and violation of service conduct rules.
Social media users questioned how a religious preacher with no constitutional role was granted state aircraft privileges while common citizens, artists or social workers are not.
One user pointed to Article 14 (Equality Before Law), arguing such privileges undermine constitutional values. Another alleged that since Shastri was not eligible to fly on a government aircraft, the minister was formally included just to justify the flight.
Reports suggest the aircraft landed in Satna around 9:30 am and returned by 10 am with Shastri onboard.
The conduct of the police officer bowing before Shastri has also triggered criticism regarding professional ethics and dignity of the police force. There are growing demands for an impartial probe and action if rules were violated.