A religious gathering in Madhya Pradesh has put Bageshwar Dham's Dhirendra Krishna Shastri at the centre of a controversy that has quickly moved beyond the event itself. A video of his remarks has drawn objections from religious leaders, triggered a political exchange between the BJP and Samajwadi Party, and brought the preacher under fresh scrutiny.
The issue has also gained significance in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. But what happened at the gathering, and why has a comment about two of Hinduism's most revered deities sparked such a strong reaction?
What Did Dhirendra Shastri Say About Lord Krishna?
The controversy began after a video from Shastri's Ram Katha in Karera, in Madhya Pradesh's Shivpuri district, circulated on social media.
In the video, he compared the physical appearance and postures of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna.
He described Lord Krishna as bent at three places, referring to the deity's tribhanga posture, in which the body bends at three points. He also referred to Krishna's flute-playing posture, while contrasting it with Lord Rama standing straight.
According to the complaint subsequently filed in Agra, Shastri said: "Those who follow Krishna might feel bad, but Krishna is very crooked. Even when he stands, he is bent at three places."
The remarks drew objections from seers and devotees in Mathura and Vrindavan. They argued that Lord Rama and Lord Krishna are equally revered and should not be compared in a manner that appears to diminish either deity.
Who Is Dhirendra Shastri?
Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, popularly known as Bageshwar Baba, is the head priest of Bageshwar Dham in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur district.
Born on 4 July 1996, he is known for delivering religious discourses, particularly Ram Katha and Bhagwat Katha. His programmes attract devotees across India and abroad.
He has built a significant public following through religious events and social media appearances. His public statements have also attracted political attention on several occasions.
Shastri is associated with Bageshwar Dham, a religious centre dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
Shastri Apologises, But Why Did The Controversy Continue?
Following the backlash, Shastri released a video message on social media on Monday, 2 November, from Nairobi, Kenya.
He clarified that he had no intention of insulting Lord Krishna or creating a distinction between the two deities.
He said his remarks were part of a devotional tradition in which devotees express affectionate complaints towards the deity. He also referred to a devotional verse about Lord Rama and Lord Krishna, arguing that his comments had been taken out of context.
Describing himself as a devotee of Lord Krishna, Shastri said he also narrates Bhagwat Katha and has faith in Krishna devotion.
He apologised if his words had hurt anyone's religious sentiments. However, his apology did not stop the political and legal reactions.
From Religious Dispute To Political Flashpoint
SP chief Akhilesh Yadav demanded action against Shastri and cancellation of his programmes nationwide. On 4 November, he said the remarks hurt Yaduvanshis and Raghuvanshis. SP workers also sought an FIR against Shastri in Lucknow.
The issue has political significance in UP, where Yadavs form around 19.4% of the OBC population and traditionally support the SP, according to The Indian Express.
With the 2027 elections approaching, the SP questioned the BJP's stance. BJP spokesperson Naveen Srivastava accused Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav of using Krishna's name for electoral gains, while state president Pankaj Chaudhary quoted the Ramcharitmanas in response.
What Legal Action Has Been Taken Against Him?
On 5 November, advocate Ajay Pratap Singh filed a criminal defamation complaint against Shastri in the Agra Civil Court.
Singh alleged that the remarks hurt the religious sentiments and social reputation of Lord Krishna's descendants. He claimed descent from Krishna through his maternal lineage and cited communities such as the Jadoons, Jadejas and Bhatis.
The complaint came before Civil Judge Kanchan Kumar, who registered it and scheduled the next hearing for 14 December 2026.
This is a court complaint, not a confirmed police FIR, arrest or conviction.
Separately, SP workers sought an FIR in Lucknow, while party members in Meerut also approached the police. The Meerut SSP ordered an inquiry into their complaint.
TL;DR | News At A Glance
Why is Dhirendra Shastri in the news?
He is facing a criminal defamation complaint over remarks comparing Lord Krishna and Lord Ram during a religious discourse in Madhya Pradesh.
What did he say about Lord Krishna?
He referred to Krishna's three-point bent posture and contrasted it with Lord Ram standing straight.
Has Dhirendra Shastri apologised?
Yes. He apologised on 2 November, saying he did not intend to insult either deity and that his comments were part of a devotional expression.
Who filed the complaint against him?
Advocate Ajay Pratap Singh filed a criminal defamation complaint in the Agra Civil Court on 5 November 2026.
What is the latest legal update?
The court registered the complaint and scheduled the next hearing for 14 December 2026.
Why has the issue become political?
The Samajwadi Party has criticised Shastri and targeted the BJP over the controversy ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Lord Krishna also holds particular cultural and religious significance for the Yadav community.
