Dhirendra Shastri defends rituals, questions scepticism around faith:Lauds devotees’ dedication during Hanumant Katha; former Chhattisgarh CM says, ‘Stop collecting donations’

Chhatarpur district’s Bageshwardham Peethadhishwar Pandit Dhirendra Shastri said some people consider his court sessions superstition, while offering a shawl and lighting candles is regarded as faith. “Why are there different standards for faith?” he asked during the final day of the discourse. Regarding his travel in government aircraft, Shastri said, “Isn’t someone who awakens Sanatan entitled to board an airplane? What kind of logic is this, you simpletons?” Minister Khushwant Saheb had facilitated his journey. “Many people are questioning our arrival, but the truth is the one who brought us here is responsible; we merely came,” he added. ‘Baba is also a person of the country, not a foreigner’ Shastri mocked criticism over his travel and vehicles, saying, “Baba is a person of this country, not a foreigner. Those who loot the country can roam freely. But a person who awakens Sanatan, builds cancer hospitals, conducts marriages, and helps people quit addiction has no right to board an airplane? What kind of wisdom is this, you fools?” Devotee came in front of the car, woman cut her vein to meet He recounted incidents where devotees went to extreme lengths to meet him. One devotee ran in front of his car seeking blessings. “Be thankful that only the glass broke; if he doesn’t get married, his heart would have broken,” he said. Shastri also mentioned a girl who cut her veins to meet him and appealed, “Sister, please don’t do this, otherwise I would have to go to jail.” When Baba says something, people call it hypocrisy On religious conversions, Shastri criticised those allegedly luring Hindus into other religions. “If someone likes people of other religions, they should settle there, not create problems in our country,” he said. Addressing jealousy and superstition claims, he added, “Some consider our darbar superstition, yet offering chadar and lighting candles is called faith.” There’s a human inside the police uniform, they also have faith Shastri reacted to a policeman removing his cap in respect during the katha. “There’s a human inside the uniform; they also have faith. What’s wrong if someone bows to their parents or teacher?” he said.. Bhupesh Baghel said both storytellers should stop taking donations Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, during his visit to Bilaspur on December 29, reiterated his criticism of Shastri and Pradeep Mishra. “Both storytellers should stop taking donations and then continue giving sermons,” he said. Baghel also criticised Shastri’s statements to journalists and remarks about Lord Ram, suggesting that theological debates be held with other saints and scholars in Chhattisgarh. The five-day Hanumant Katha, held from December 25 to 29, attracted devotees from across the country, highlighting Shastri’s influence despite ongoing controversies surrounding his sermons, donations, and public statements