Tensions flared in Agartala on Tuesday as members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad’s youth wing, Bajrang Dal, staged a fierce protest against CPI-M senior leader and former MP Sankar Prasad Datta for his alleged derogatory remarks against Lord Hanuman.
The controversy erupted following Datta’s comments during a recent programme of CPI-M’s trade union wing, CITU, where he reportedly remarked on how vehicles nowadays display flags of BMS, slogans like ‘Jai Shree Ram’, or a “shondamarka” (bully-type) image of Hanuman.
Bajrang Dal activists termed the use of the word “shondamarka” to describe Hanuman as highly offensive and demanded an immediate apology from the former MP.
The protest, marked by road blockades in front of Datta’s residence, saw activists chanting verses from the Hanuman Chalisa and burning his effigy.
The agitators demanded that Datta not only apologise but also publicly commit to refraining from making any future derogatory comments about Hindu deities.
Heavy security was deployed to prevent any escalation as the demonstration drew large crowds and heightened religious sentiments.
