NCP (Sharad faction) MLA Jitendra Awhad has created a new controversy on Saturday by making a statement on Sanatan Dharma. Awhad said, “Sanatan Dharma has ruined India.” He claimed that ‘there was no religion named Sanatan Dharma, we are followers of Hinduism’.
What does Awhad give up?
Awhad, a four -time MLA, made many serious allegations in his statement. He said that Sanatan Dharma is responsible for stopping the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and maligning Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. He also alleged that his followers had tried to kill social reformer Jyotirao Phule.
Awhad said, ‘He was the one who threw cow dung and dirt at Savitribai Phule. This Sanatan Dharma conspired to kill Shahu Maharaj. This has given Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was not allowed to drink water or go to school. He further said that Dr. Ambedkar also opposed Sanatan Dharma, burnt Manusmriti and rejected her traditions. Awhad appealed to the people not to hesitate to call Sanatan Dharma and its ideology ‘deformed’.
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Political reactions to Awhad’s statement
BJP and Shiv Sena have reacted sharply to this statement of Awhad. Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC described Awhad’s statement as a ‘trend’ against Sanatan Dharma. He said, ‘Who are Jitendra Awhad, who are opposing everyone from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to Shambhaji Maharaj and Jyotiba Phule?’ He questioned Awhad whether he knew what Sanatan Dharma is.
BJP MP Sambit Patra condemned Awhad’s statement, saying, “We are tolerant, so we are registering our protest through a press conference.” He further said that if such a statement had been given against Islam or Muslims, then it would not have a response in the press conference, but in some other way. He also asked Sharad Pawar and his daughter Supriya Sule whether it was Awhad’s personal statement or his party’s official stance. Patra said that it does not happen anywhere else in the world that the majority population should be accused and then called them intolerant.
#WATCH | Delhi: “… We are tolerant, and that is why we are lodging our protest through a press conference. Had this statement been made about Islam and Muslims, you wouldn’t have received an answer in a press conference…,” says BJP MP Sambit Patra on NCP SCP leader Jitendra… pic.twitter.com/uuTa6QxBqn
– years (@ani) August 3, 2025