5 Shocking Swami Prasad Maurya Statements That Went Viral

In the turbulent world of Indian politics, few figures stir the pot with as much consistency and fervor as Swami Prasad Maurya. A seasoned politician known for his strategic party-hopping and powerful influence among Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in Uttar Pradesh, Maurya has mastered the art of staying in the headlines. But it's not just his political moves that capture attention; it's his sharp, often incendiary, statements that frequently go viral, sparking nationwide debates and intense backlash.

Maurya's comments are rarely accidental. They are calculated, aimed at challenging religious and social orthodoxy, and designed to consolidate his base. Whether you see him as a champion of social justice or a master of political provocation, his words undeniably have an impact. Let's dive into five of his most shocking statements that sent shockwaves across the country.

1. The Ramcharitmanas Row: A Demand to Ban Verses

Perhaps his most explosive controversy, Maurya's comments on the Ramcharitmanas, a revered Hindu epic, ignited a political firestorm in early 2023. He didn't just criticize the text; he demanded specific verses be removed or the entire book be banned.

What He Said

In a statement that was immediately amplified by news channels and social media, Maurya targeted specific verses (chaupais) that he claimed were derogatory towards women, tribals, Dalits, and OBCs. The core of his argument was captured in this widely circulated quote:

"There are certain lines in which 'teli', 'kumhar', 'kahar', 'kurmi', 'kewat', 'mali', 'nai' and other castes have been mentioned and termed 'adhama' (lowly)... I object to the chaupai... which says 'pujahin vipra sakal gun hina, sudra na pujahu bed praveena' (A Brahmin, even if he is devoid of all virtues, should be worshipped, but a Shudra, even if he is an expert in the Vedas, should not be worshipped)."

He also famously referenced the verse: "dhol, gawar, shudra, pashu, nari, sakal tadana ke adhikari" (a drum, an illiterate person, a Shudra, an animal, and a woman are all fit for beating), arguing it was an insult to a vast section of society.

The Political Tsunami

The fallout was immediate and immense. Multiple FIRs were filed against him for hurting religious sentiments. Hindu religious leaders and organizations demanded his arrest, and effigies were burned in protest across Uttar Pradesh. The BJP, his former party, seized the opportunity to label the Samajwadi Party (his current party) as "anti-Hindu." Even within the Samajwadi Party, some leaders distanced themselves from his remarks, highlighting the deep cultural and religious sensitivities he had prodded. Maurya, however, remained defiant, doubling down on his stance and turning the controversy into a platform for his social justice politics.

2. The Badrinath Claim: A Buddhist Monastery?

Not one to let a controversy die down, Maurya followed up his Ramcharitmanas comments with another startling claim, this time directed at one of Hinduism's most sacred pilgrimage sites.

The Historical Assertion

In mid-2023, Maurya stated that the Badrinath temple in Uttarakhand was originally a Buddhist monastery that was converted into a Hindu shrine in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya.

"All the temples that are being talked about today, from Badrinath to other places... Badrinath was a Buddhist monastery until the 8th century. It was converted into a Hindu pilgrimage site. This is why I say we should not just look at today; we should look at history."

Reaction from Religious and Political Circles

This statement was seen as a direct challenge to the history and sanctity of the Char Dham pilgrimage. The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, strongly condemned the remarks, calling them an attack on the faith of crores of Hindus. Religious leaders accused Maurya of attempting to create social division by fabricating history for political gain. While the historical claim itself has been a subject of niche academic debate, Maurya’s timing ensured it became a political weapon, further cementing his image as a relentless critic of established Hindu institutions.

3. The "Hinduism is a Deception" Declaration

If his previous statements were aimed at specific texts or places, this one took on the entire religion. In a video that went viral, Maurya made his most direct and unambiguous statement yet.

The Blunt Statement

In August 2023, Maurya was recorded saying:

"The roots of Brahminism are very deep. And the reason for all the disparity is also Brahminism itself. There is no religion called Hindu; Hinduism is just a sham. What we call Hinduism is a conspiracy to trap the Dalits, tribals, and backward people of this country by calling it a religion."

The Hindi phrase that went viral was, "Hindu dharm nahi, dhokha hai" (Hinduism is not a religion, it's a deception). This left no room for interpretation and was a frontal assault on the faith itself.

The Inevitable Outcry

The backlash was fierce. The statement was condemned across the political spectrum. It gave the BJP a powerful tool to consolidate its Hindu vote bank, portraying the opposition I.N.D.I.A. alliance (of which Maurya's party is a part) as fundamentally anti-Hindu. The comment alienated many moderate Hindus and created significant discomfort within the Samajwadi Party.

4. The Goddess Lakshmi Controversy

Maurya's rationalist-style critiques have also extended to the worship of deities. His comments on Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, were widely seen as disrespectful and mocking.

Questioning the Goddess of Wealth

During a speech, he questioned the logic behind worshipping Lakshmi for prosperity. He rhetorically asked why, if worshipping her brought wealth, billionaires like Ambani and Adani were not seen praying to her. He further added a comment that many found offensive:

"If Goddess Lakshmi gives wealth, why do her devotees remain poor? If she has four hands, why can't she bless her followers directly instead of them having to toil?"

While framed as a call for rationality over ritual, the tone was perceived as a crude dismissal of deeply held beliefs, sparking another round of accusations of hurting religious sentiments.

5. Echoing the "Eradicate Sanatana" Call

When DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin's comment that "Sanatana Dharma should be eradicated like malaria and dengue" created a national uproar, most opposition leaders tried to distance themselves. Swami Prasad Maurya, however, jumped right in.

Doubling-Down on Controversy

Maurya publicly supported Stalin's sentiment, equating Sanatana Dharma with the caste-based discrimination he has long campaigned against.

"The 'Sanatana' that Udhayanidhi Stalin mentioned is Brahminism. The roots of Brahminism are deep... By attacking Sanatana, he has attacked Brahminism. He has spoken for the honour and self-respect of crores of people."

A Calculated Political Move

By backing Stalin, Maurya further solidified his position as a radical voice for the anti-caste movement. However, it also put the I.N.D.I.A. bloc in a difficult position, as the BJP used these combined statements to build a narrative that the opposition's core ideology was the destruction of Hinduism.

Conclusion: Ideology or Opportunism?

Swami Prasad Maurya's statements are far from random outbursts. They follow a consistent theme: a relentless attack on what he defines as Brahmanical hegemony and a call for social reawakening among the marginalized. His supporters see him as a courageous leader speaking truth to power, unafraid to challenge centuries of oppressive social structures.

His critics, however, view him as a political opportunist who uses divisive religious rhetoric to fuel his political ambitions. They argue he deliberately insults the faith of millions to create chaos and polarize society for electoral gain.

The truth, as is often the case in politics, may lie somewhere in between. But one thing is certain: whenever Swami Prasad Maurya speaks, India listens, and a new debate is sure to follow.