In a controversial statement, Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Tuesday urged people to keep spears, swords, and tridents in their homes, suggesting these could be used as part of the worship of deities and for self-defence. Giriraj Singh made these remarks while touring Kishanganj, the only Muslim-majority district in Bihar, as part of the Hindu Swabhiman Yatra. He claimed that Hindus were under threat and needed to be organised. Before arriving in Kishanganj, Giriraj Singh visited the nearby districts of Araria, Katihar, and Purnea.
“Everywhere people shared their concerns about the honour of their sisters and daughters,” he stated, as quoted by news agency PTI. Giriraj Singh, who represents the Begusarai Lok Sabha constituency, further claimed, “I have been told that every year a number of Hindu girls fall prey to love jihad, which is followed by their conversion (to Islam). No case is registered against the culprits who keep misbehaving with women not ready to fall into their trap.” However, he did not cite any specific incidents to support his comments.
The term ‘love jihad’ is commonly used by right-wing groups to allege that Muslim men lure Hindu women into religious conversion through marriage. Giriraj Singh also alleged that in areas where Hindus are significantly outnumbered by Muslims, temples are vandalised, and Hindu practices, like women wearing vermilion, face interference. According to PTI, he also mentioned that Christian missionaries are active in these areas but “are targeting only Hindus.”
Giriraj Singh called upon Hindus to unite, adding, “Almost every Hindu god and goddess carries a trident, a sword, or a spear, which denotes that sacredness is backed by strength. So, I ask you all to keep these items at your homes. Worship these after getting these consecrated and use these in self-defence when the need arises.”
He also criticised past leadership, blaming the refusal of Jawaharlal Nehru to ensure a full exchange of population during Partition, as suggested by Dr B.R. Ambedkar, and the influx of infiltrators allegedly allowed by Indira Gandhi during the 1971 war with Pakistan, for the current situation in the country.
Kishanganj: Giriraj Singh Recites Hanuman Chalisa After Brush With Police
Union Minister Giriraj Singh, during the Hindu Swabhiman Yatra in Kishanganj on Tuesday, had a brush with police officers and, in protest, began reciting the Hanuman Chalisa on the road. The incident occurred when the Swabhiman Yatra reached Gandhi Chowk, where the police requested the participants to move forward, which angered the minister.
Expressing his displeasure with the police, Giriraj Singh questioned, "What kind of law is this? I had only asked for ten minutes. I am not here to stage a protest, but perhaps the police do not want this. That's why I have to say that it seems I will have to stay here now." He added, "I am proud to be a Hindu, and if anyone tries to stop me from saying that, I will continue to resist as long as there is blood in my body." During this time, his supporters chanted slogans of "Jai Shri Ram" and "Bharat Mata Ki Jai."
He also emphasised the importance of unity among Hindus, stating, "If someone slaps you, then you should retaliate with a thousand slaps." He urged Hindus to remain united, warning, "If you get divided, you will break." He called upon the community to stand strong and maintain their solidarity.
Originally, the Swabhiman Yatra was supposed to conclude at the Rui Dhassa Ground, where all arrangements had been made. However, a change in plans led to the decision by the organisation to end the yatra at Gandhi Chowk. Giriraj Singh was set to address the public at this location, but when police tried to move the participants forward, the situation escalated, leading to Giriraj Singh's reaction.