Controversy has erupted over Bageshwar Dham chief Dhirendra Shastri’s travel arrangements for a recent religious program in Chhattisgarh. Shastri, who attended an event in Bhilai, Durg district, on December 25, reportedly used a government aircraft, prompting the Congress to question the BJP-led state government’s decision to allocate public funds for what they termed a private religious occasion.
Breaking his silence on the matter, Shastri addressed the issue from a public platform during a religious gathering, alongside state minister Guru Khushwant Saheb. He asserted his status as an Indian citizen, questioning the rationale behind the intense scrutiny of his travel methods. Shastri indicated that the responsibility for his flight arrangements lay with those who organized his visit.
Shastri adopted a more critical tone, contrasting the treatment he received with that of individuals who allegedly engage in activities detrimental to the country or exploit public resources. He argued that promoting spiritual values, contributing to societal welfare through cancer hospital support and subsidized weddings for the needy, and campaigning against drug addiction should not lead to questioning his choice of aircraft. Shastri suggested that such criticism stemmed from a biased perspective and stated his intent to refrain from further comments to quell the controversy. He concluded by expressing gratitude for the support he received and acknowledging the impact of media coverage on public perception.