Ajay Bhatt faces pundits’ ire over drinking remark

Tribune News Service

Haridwar, August 29

Enraged by the comments of BJP state unit president Ajay Bhatt on pundits residing in hill areas of the state, seers, pundits and astrologers have demanded an apology from him.

Mahamandaleshwar Swami Harichetnanand Maharaj termed the statements as uncalled for, which had hurt the sentiments of not only the pundits but also the devotees who entrust pundits to perform religious rituals, rites and worshipping.

Bhoopatwala-based Pt Pawan Kumar Shastri also expressed concern over the remarks on pundits. He said those who thought pundits drink should first look into their own houses. It was no hidden fact that during the election campaign, politicians, irrespective of their political affinity, resorted to liquor distribution as a major source of buying votes.

At Sunehra Jeevan Deep Ashram, Mahamandaleshwar Swami Yatindranand Giri Maharaj also condemned the comments made by Ajay Bhatt.

He said pundits based in the hills were experts in astrology and religious rituals. They faced hardships yet provided religious expertise to pilgrims and devotees in tough climatic and geographical conditions.

Demanding an apology from the BJP leader, the seer said if no action was taken against him by the party high command, Brahmins would lose faith in the party.

Sarv Brahman Mahasabha national vice-president and renowned astrologer Pundit Ramesh Semwal said Bhatt had made a mockery of religious knowledge and identity of pundits of hills. If he did not apologise, the Mahasabha would pressurise Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah to sack him from the state party president post.

A ‘buddhi-shuddhi yagna’ for Bhatt was also held at Shri Laxmi Narayan temple by Achark Purohit Mahasabha at Roorkee.