Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister and BJP leader Uma Bharti said that Sanatan Dharma should not be a topic for political debate. Speaking at a Ganesh Chaturthi function in Sehore district, Bharti urged political leaders to refrain from discussing religious matters, asserting that these discussions should be left to saints and religious scholars.

Bharti’s comments came in response to Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin sparking controversy with his remarks about Sanatan Dharma, which drew severe criticism from the BJP and ignited a debate within the political sphere.

“I would request all parties to talk about food, clothing and shelter. Leave the discussion on Sanatan Dharma to scholars.” Bharti said.

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Further addressing the women’s reservation bill, Bharti emphasised the importance of women’s representation in the State Assembly and Lok Sabha. She highlighted that women have faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and cited the BJP’s efforts to support women in Madhya Pradesh.

However, she questioned whether these efforts should be solely driven by electoral considerations.

“Of this 50 per cent, take half of it and give a provision for SC, ST, OBC women and decide the Vidhan Sabha seats. First show your party’s character. It is not important that the reservation should be implemented immediately…Those Muslim women who have been selected under the Mandal commission, those who come from extremely poor backgrounds, those women can also be given a position in that,” Bharti asserted.

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However, Bharti’s remarks triggered a debate within the BJP, drawing a clarification that her intent was not to oppose the party. She affirmed her commitment to campaigning for the party in the state while asserting her right to express her views on social issues.

In response, the Congress has urged Bharti to “stick to her stand.”

“Uma Bharti is a senior leader, we respect her a lot. Her firebrand image will remain intact if she sticks to her stand. She should not change her commitment. It has become her identity to change her opinions. She has given statements against Shivraj and then calls him her younger brother later,” Congress spokesperson K K Mishra said.

The BJP, on the other hand, has backed Bharti, asserting that her comments were misinterpreted by the Congress. BJP spokesperson Narendra Saluja clarified that Bharti’s statements were directed at those who stood against Sanatan Dharma. The BJP has welcomed her discussion on reservation issues and will further discuss it.