Janhit: Akhilesh Yadav Questions Dhirendra Shastri’s Fees, Sparks Row Over Caste and Commercialization of Faith | ABP NEWS

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has stirred fresh political controversy by targeting Bageshwar Dham head Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, raising questions over alleged high fees charged for spiritual events. Referring to an incident in Etawah involving two Yadav kathavachaks, Akhilesh alleged they were assaulted because they were from backward castes and couldn’t afford high-profile rates like Shastri, who, he claimed, charges up to ₹50 lakh per event. His comments sparked backlash from BJP leaders and several Hindu saints, who accused him of disrespecting religious traditions and creating a caste divide in the spiritual community. They claimed Akhilesh was trying to divide kathavachaks into “rich Brahmins vs poor OBCs” for political gain. Supporters of Shastri defended him, highlighting that donations received during kathas are used for charitable work—such as free kitchens, cancer hospitals, and mass weddings. Shastri’s digital presence and nationwide following further fueled the debate. This controversy is being seen as part of Akhilesh’s broader PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) strategy ahead of upcoming elections. Critics argue that he is politicizing faith to consolidate backward caste votes, while alienating upper-caste Hindus who form a significant part of the spiritual ecosystem.