The controversy over remarks of singer-cum-music composer Vishal Dadlani on Jain Muni Tarun Sagar refuses to die down in Haryana.
Haryana Police on Monday booked Vishal Dadlani and Congress leader Tehseen Poonawalla for making “objectionable” remarks against Jain monk.
Both of them were booked by the police in Haryana's Ambala city, following complaints received from the members of the Jain community and others.
Dadlani and Poonawala have been booked under Sections 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups on religious lines) and 295-A (hurting religious sentiments) of the Indian Penal Code.
Tarun Sagar, referred to as Maharajji by followers, was invited to address Haryana MlAs on the first day of Monsoon Session on Friday. He was the first religious preacher ever to address in Haryana Assembly.
Dadlani was critical of the address, suggesting that it reflected an unhealthy trend of religion colouring politics. “If you voted for these people, YOU are responsible for this absurd nonsense. No #AchcheDin, just #NoKachcheDin”, he had Tweeted. He had posted a series of tweets on the address mocking Jain Guru for appearing nude inside the Haryana Assembly
Tarun Sagar is a Digambar Jain community monk and the monks in Digambara sect of Jainism do not wear clothes.
Following widespread condemnation, including from Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal, Dadlani had later removed his tweet and also apologised.
Poonawala had supported Dadlani's tweet and was also trolled on social media.
A resolution condemning Dadlani and Poonawala was moved in the Haryana Assembly on Monday. However, it was not passed following objections from the Opposition. As soon as the resolution was moved by Haryana Minister Kavita Jain, the INlD and Congress legislators took a strong exception to the way the house is being conducted.
Meanwhile, Delhi PWD Minister Satyendar Jain met Tarun Sagar in Chandigarh on Monday in the wake of a controversy. After the meeting, the Delhi Minister while talking to the mediapersons said, “I met Tarun Sagar Maharaj and talked about the controversy that arose two days ago. He was not affected by it and he has forgiven those who inadvertently did so.”
The Minister added that efforts are on to politicise the whole issue and that the matter should be put to rest as the monk has forgiven the guilty.
“Earlier, responding to Vishal Dadlani's ‘monkery’ tweet, Jain religious leader Tarun Sagar had said, “I don't think he (Vishal Dadlani) knows anything about Jainism or our beliefs.”
“Had he known about that, he would not have made such a comment. The people of the society who respects me get hurt and they protest. There is no question of apology as I am not angry with him,” Muni Tarun Sagar said.