Overview
- Dhirendra Krishna Shastri made remarks comparing Lord Ram as 'straight' and Lord Krishna as 'crooked' during a Ram Katha that drew attention after a short video circulated online.
- Shastri issued a video apology saying his words were devotional, were taken out of context, and he did not intend to create any distinction between the two deities.
- Sages and devotee groups in Mathura and Vrindavan publicly demanded an apology and continued to criticise the preacher despite his clarification.
- Political leaders have weighed in, with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav calling the comments objectionable and urging restrictions on Shastri’s entry into Uttar Pradesh.
- The episode highlights how short social clips can escalate local religious remarks into wider disputes and is shaped by Shastri’s recent controversies in other states, which have made reactions more intense.