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Seeking a second term in Delhi Assembly election, Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal has declared himself a Hanuman bhakta (devotee of Lord Hanuman) just on the eve of Delhi Assembly election. This comes at a time when the BJP – including senior leaders such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah – has accused Kejriwal of “supporting” Shaheen Bagh protesters (read Muslims) for vote bank politics.
In a series of TV interviews and public events, Kejriwal has projected himself as a devout Hindu, recited Hanuman Chalisa (anode of 40 couplets in the praise of Lord Hanuman), called the BJP leaders “nakli Hindu” (Hindu imposters) and advised his political rivals to recite Hanuman Chalisa declaring that it gives peace of mind.
Reciting Hanuman Chalisa in a TV interview came as the Rahul Gandhi moment of Kejriwal. Rahul Gandhi, then as the Congress president, had assiduously tried to establish himself and his family as devout Shiva bhakt (a devotee of Lord Shiva) during a campaign for the 2019 Lok Sabha election.
This came on the back of a ritualistic temple-hopping by Rahul Gandhi during assembly elections in state after state. He also undertook Mansarovar Yatra, a religious pilgrimage to Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. The Congress spokespersons declared Rahul Gandhi a “sacred thread” bearer. But the “soft Hindutva” did not impact PM Modi’s Hindutva image and he returned with a bigger mandate.
In Kejriwal’s version of Hindu identity, he has subtly positioned himself as “Shravan Kumar” the ideal son in ancient Indian legend. He launched a free pilgrimage program for senior citizens.
Though Kejriwal was not as shy as Rahul Gandhi earlier with his Hindu identity, he made it part of political tactic following the AAP’s rout in the Lok Sabha election in Delhi last year. He went public with “Swaminarayan Bhagwan Ka Abhishek” (literally, the coronation of Lord Swaminarayan).
Further, he repositioned himself closer to the Hindutva brand with his public support to abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and later with his muted response to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and protests led by Muslims against the law.
In a shocking development, YouTuber Praneeth Hanumanthu has become embroiled in controversy following his detention by the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau. Initially arrested for making offensive remarks during a podcast, Hanumanthu's predicament has escalated, resulting in further allegations under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act after he tested positive for cannabis consumption. The Context of the Detention The origins of Hanumanthu's difficulties can be linked to a podcast he hosted, which included a conversation that many considered highly unseemly. During this episode, he made inappropriate comments regarding the dynamics between a father and daughter, igniting outrage among viewers and critics alike. This incident quickly garnered the attention of both the public and law enforcement, prompting an investigation by the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau. The primary allegation centered around his remarks, which were deemed to have crossed the boundaries of acceptable discourse. This scenario raises broader inquiries about accountability and the duties of content creators, particularly in an era where online platforms can amplify messages to a large audience. As a public figure, Hanumanthu's statements carry substantial weight, and the backlash he has encountered signifies society's increasing intolerance towards harmful rhetoric. Charges Related to Substances Things took a turn for the worse for Hanumanthu when, following his arrest, authorities opted to perform a drug test. The results confirmed the presence of cannabis in his system, leading to additional allegations under the NDPS Act. This legislation is a strict law in India aimed at combating substance abuse and trafficking. By testing positive for drug use, Hanumanthu not only worsened his legal troubles but also further tarnished his reputation. The addition of drug-related charges initiates an important discourse about the effects of substance use among influencers and celebrities. Many young individuals look up to figures like Hanumanthu, and such disclosures can have significant consequences on their perceptions and behaviors. The fallout from his actions extends beyond legal issues; it also encompasses the ethical obligations that accompany public visibility. Reactions from the Public and Consequences The public’s reaction to Hanumanthu's arrest has been varied. Many viewers voiced their outrage over both his initial remarks and his later substance use. Social media has been inundated with discussions, memes, and criticisms, illustrating the swift spread of information and opinions in today’s digital environment. Critics contend that individuals like Hanumanthu should be held accountable for their influence, particularly when it concerns endorsing a healthy lifestyle and responsible behavior. On the other hand, some supporters have rallied behind him, advocating for the necessity of empathy and understanding. They highlight the pressures that accompany being a public figure, especially in a hyper-connected world where every action is scrutinized. This divide in public sentiment mirrors a broader societal conversation about celebrity culture, accountability, and the intricacies of mental health and substance use. The Wider Picture of Substance Abuse Hanumanthu's situation is also part of a larger discourse regarding drug abuse in India, especially among the youth. As discussions about mental health and substance use become more widespread, incidents like this underscore the pressing need for awareness and education about addiction and its root causes. The stigma surrounding drug use often hampers open dialogue about the topic, leaving many to endure in silence. Moreover, the legal implications of the NDPS Act spark questions about how society addresses drug-related offenses. While the act aims to deter substance abuse, critics argue that such laws can disproportionately impact certain demographics and do not tackle the underlying causes of addiction. Conversations around harm reduction, rehabilitation, and public health strategies are increasingly relevant within the framework of these laws. Prospects Ahead for Hanumanthu As Hanumanthu navigates the forthcoming legal hurdles, his future remains unpredictable. He faces possible legal repercussions for both his unsatisfactory comments and his substance use, which could greatly affect his career and personal life. The scenario serves as a cautionary example for content creators about the consequences of their expressions and actions, highlighting the need for thoughtful engagement with their audience.…
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