The controversy surrounding the katha vachak (storyteller) in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, shows no signs of abating. Now, poet and intellectual Dr. Kumar Vishwas has also openly reacted to the issue. Speaking at a news channel program, he stated that binding faith and devotion within the confines of caste is not only inappropriate but also fosters negative divisions in society.
Kumar Vishwas said that the work of a katha vachak is to build a bridge between God and devotees, not to create rifts in society. He described the Etawah controversy as completely unnecessary and unfortunate, adding that such incidents harm the sanctity of religious events. He also appealed to society to rise above casteism and move towards unity and religious harmony.
Questions Raised on the Silence of Religious Leaders
Dr. Vishwas also questioned the silence of the religious community on this controversy. He said that when a situation of conflict arises in society regarding a religious event, it becomes the responsibility of spiritual leadership to come forward and clarify the situation. His comments are receiving considerable support from people on social media, with users calling it a timely and necessary intervention.
What is the Etawah Katha Vachak Controversy?
The controversy began on June 21st during a Bhagwat Katha organized in Dandar Pur village of Etawah district, when the katha vachaks, Mukut Mani Yadav and Sant Singh Yadav, were allegedly accused of concealing their caste and pretending to be Brahmins while narrating the katha. This angered the villagers, and the storytellers were assaulted.
The situation worsened when the yajman (host) of the katha, Renu Tiwari, also accused Mukut Mani Yadav of molestation. As the video of the incident went viral on social media, the police took action and arrested four accused. Cases of fake Aadhaar cards and fraud were registered against the katha vachaks. The matter is currently under deep investigation.
The Matter Also Taken to Politics
Following the controversy, the matter has now also taken a political turn. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has called it a caste-based attack and attacked the government. Meanwhile, the Brahmin Mahasabha has objected to the behavior of the katha vachaks and demanded a fair investigation.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, considering the seriousness of the matter, has handed over the investigation to the Jhansi police. Furthermore, in view of the tension in the village, the deployment of police forces has also been increased. Currently, this matter appears entangled in a triangle of religious event decorum, caste identity, and political rhetoric.
