FIR Against NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad Over His Remarks On Lord Ram

An FIR has been lodged against NCP Sharad Pawar faction leader Jitendra Awhad following his contentious comments regarding Lord Ram.

Reports indicate that the FIR was filed following a complaint lodged against Awhad by Dheeraj Ghate, the BJP Pune City president. The case was registered at the Vishrambag police station in Pune under Section 295 A of the Indian Penal Code, alleging that the former Maharashtra government minister's remarks had offended religious sentiments.

Reacting vehemently to Awhad's statement, BJP MLA Ram Kadam asserted that the Maharashtra government would not tolerate any disrespect towards Lord Ram. Kadam warned that the FIR was just the beginning, hinting at further actions following Awhad's remarks, which the BJP claimed had caused offense among Hindus.

In response to the threat of legal action and potential arrest, Awhad clarified on Friday that he had already expressed regret for his statements. He urged against repeated attempts to provoke him on the same matter, highlighting the inappropriateness of continually bringing up the topic.

Targeting his adversaries, Awhad made pointed remarks insinuating knowledge about the habits of those who pray at 4 am and their actions throughout the day. He alleged that those opposing him were themselves consumers of non-vegetarian food. This retort was directed at Kadam, recognized for his early morning routine and strong advocacy for Hindutva.

Awhad's controversy stemmed from a speech he delivered on Wednesday, where he stated, "Lord Ram belongs to us, the Bahujans. Ram used to hunt and consume meat. You want us to adopt vegetarianism, but we revere him as our role model and consume mutton. He was not a vegetarian but a meat-eater."

He also alleged an agenda to convert India into a vegetarian nation, claiming that 80 percent of the population were non-vegetarians and also worshippers of Lord Ram.

These comments emerged just weeks before the scheduled opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, slated for January 22.