Sai Baba Statues Row: What’s the Real Agenda Behind This Growing Controversy?
Welcome to the latest chapter in Uttar Pradesh's temple saga—the battle over Sai Baba statues. Members of the Hindu Samaj Party stormed into temples across the capital, demanding the removal of Sai Baba statues. Though no statues were physically removed, thanks to police presence, one big question remains: what’s driving this anti-Sai Baba movement?
The controversy around Sai Baba has rapidly escalated, starting from Kashi and now making its way to Lucknow. The Vocal News reporters visited a temple in Lucknow, where the temple priest confirmed that certain individuals had requested the removal of Sai Baba’s statue. However, the priest stood firm and refused to remove it—for now.
And it's not just isolated incidents. Even in Bajrang Bali’s temple in Lucknow, a small Sai Baba statue stands peacefully near the main deity. Yet, even this tiny representation has sparked outrage among protestors, who are now demanding its removal in the name of protecting "Sanatan Dharma."
Priests are feeling the heat too. One of them, perhaps under pressure, declared that as soon as Navratri begins, the Sai Baba statue will be taken down from the temple.
What started in Kashi, where Sai Baba’s statue was not only removed but immersed in the Ganga, has now caught fire in Lucknow, with even temple priests reluctantly agreeing to the removal. And, get this, the Yogi government’s cabinet meeting even touched upon the issue of Sai statues in temples—because, of course, it's now a statewide debate.
Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak also chimed in during the meeting, showing just how much this topic has stirred things up at the highest levels.
The big question here remains: Was Sai Baba a Hindu or a Muslim? This has been a longstanding debate, and while no one has provided a definitive answer, the current wave of protests has reignited the controversy. Hindu leaders and groups are now reintroducing the idea that Sai Baba’s presence in temples is incompatible with Sanatan traditions.
As Sai Baba devotees see their beloved saint's statues removed, their faith takes a hit. After all, Baba was seen as a universal figure, loved by people from all religions. And for many, these actions feel like a betrayal of that very message of unity and peace.
So, where does this end? Will more temples see the removal of Sai Baba statues? And what does this say about the evolving landscape of religious identity in India? One thing’s for sure, the debate around Sai Baba is far from over!
