Dhirendra Shastri Says 'Those Not Going To Kumbh Are Traitors', Kanhaiya Quips 'What About 8 Lakh Soldiers'

Kanhaiya Kumar questioned Dhirendra Shastri on what he would say to those protecting the country's borders, stressing that discharging ones duties in the right manner is patriotism.

Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar cornered Dhirendra Shastri over his remarks on those not visiting Maha Kumbh.

Source : PTI

Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar on Friday slammed Peethadheeshwar Pandit Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham for saying that those who do not go to Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj are "traitors". Hitting out at Dhirendra Shastri, Kumar questioned him on what he would say to those protecting the country's borders, stressing that discharging ones duties in the right manner is patriotism.

Speaking to ABP Live, Kanhaiya Kumar reacted to Dhirendra Shastri's remark, asking, "What does he have to say about these eight lakh people who are protecting the country's borders by staying on the border? If they leave their work and come here, if they leave their duty, then how will the country be protected?"

The Congress leader further said: "People who are flying airplanes, people who are driving trains, people who are driving buses, you are doing journalism, farmers are doing farming. So are these people who are doing their work not patriots? Patriotism is to discharge your duties properly. This is a contribution to the country. Those who speak such language, it is their wish but in my opinion it is not so." 

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Earlier this week, Dhirendra Shastri expressed his reservations over former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni being appointed as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara during the ongoing Maha Kumbh.

He suggested that such titles should be only granted to those who possess a saintly spirit as he questioned the credibility of the Akhara's decision.

"How can someones be made a saint or Mahamandaleshwar under external influence?" Shastri asked, as per a report on Zee News. He further said, "We ourselves have not been able to become Mahamandaleshwar till now."

In a recent development, the former Bollywood actor was expelled from the Akhara for not shaving her head. Kinnar Akhara founder Rishi Ajay Das took action against the former actor and model and another seer, Laskhmi Narayan Tripathi for appointing Kulkarni.