Exclusive: Not targeting any community, but can't remain silent on love Jihad - Vajradehi Swamiji


Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Nov 15: Sri Rajashekarananda Swamiji, the firebrand head of Vajradehi Math, Gurupur, proudly identifies himself with the Sangh Parivar and often takes active part in protests and movements. Known to make provocative speeches and controversial statements, he has frequently raised his voice against so-called 'love Jihad' and cattle trafficking, demanding the government to enforce strict laws to prevent these activities.

In a candid interview with editor-in-chief of Dajiworld Walter Nandalike on Daijiworld 24x7's 'Rough and Right' programme, Sri Rajashekarananda Swamiji spoke on the issue of love Jihad and other controversial issues and minced no words in expressing his opinions.


Excerpts

Q: What is 'love Jihad' according to you? What is your definition of 'love Jihad'?

A: Love is the language of the heart. You can only express love only when your emotions and your heart are united. Love with a motive, without feelings, will not prosper. In the present scenario, this is happening in society. Love is more sensible, however, in the society at present it has lost all its credibility. Love with a motive cannot be defined as love.

Q: Would you accept if the love comes from the heart?

A: Love has existed since ages. We do not object to it. However, we only oppose it when there is an ulterior motive behind that emotion. We object to such an act and are saying that it is wrong. When such a scenario or policy is affecting or harming society, turning a deaf ear to it is not the right thing to do. So, in reality, we never objected to honest love which is expressed from the heart.


Q: There are those who say that you make controversial statements for the sake of publicity, through which you provokes other communities. What is your response?

A: Those who speak such things, let them speak. We must contemplate on things that take place in society. What will these people do if such a problem affects their sister or daughter? They have to understand the current situation. I do not have any inclination to become a leader in society. My fight is for justice.


Q: It is being said that you will become the Yogi Adityanath of South India, is it true?

A: A few people are talking about this. My struggles of many years have been recognised by society and the people know how sincerely I work for them. So, this might be the reason people are talking in that manner. I do not oppose this statement because Yogi Adityanath is a visionary who is working at the forefront for the betterment of society. My fearless speeches and staunch protest against injustice may have garnered such a name for me. It is not a grade or post given to me.


Q: After the issue of 'love Jihad' raised by two state ministers and later discussed in the recent BJP's core and executive committee meeting, you raised the matter once again. Being so close to the government in Karnataka as well in the centre, can you tell us why the government is not enforcing a strict law against it?

A: First, before enforcing any law, there is a need to take statutory legislative decisions. A Bill can be passed when there is a majority in both the houses. Through such a majority this law can be enforced. I have been involved in this struggle for 10 years. Now we have the required strength. Government has opened its eyes after the Kerala government submitted a report to the union government in this regard. A woman MLA, when she was the minister for women and child development, submitted a report in this regard. Why is love Jihad happening? It is happening for terrorism. This problem of love Jihad is not only in India, it has spread across the globe. Our struggle helped in bringing these issues to the notice of the government. Hopefully, the government will pass a law against this. Already chief minister B S Yediyurappa and home minister Amit Shah have expressed their opinions in this regard. Hence, I am confident that the state and central governments will enforce a law against this.


Q: Why is Swamiji targeting a particular community?

A: A few people are saying that Swamiji is targeting a single community. But I have not targeted any single community. Out of the 27 cases of love Jihad, 17 cases have been resolved through dialogue, the rest of the cases are pending before the law. You are asking why a single community is being targeted. In Priyanka's incident, the boy was from the Muslim community, then in another case from Perdoor, the boy was from the same community and the girl was a minor. The boy who took her had blackmailed the girl. The condition of the family is pitiful. In this state is it possible to lead a respectful life? What are the senior people of that particular community doing? There are religious leaders in their community. At least they can caution or create awareness among their community. If I get agitated when nothing gets done, it is not wrong.


Q: On the one hand you are targeting a particular community, on the other you have many friends from the same community?

A: It is true that I have many friends from the said community. I know their language. There are certain incidents taking place in society about which we cannot remain silent. Why am I targeting a single community? Because children from the same community have been involved in these things. This has also affected the people of various other communities. We have recorded 40 of such wrongdoings in a book.


Q: Instead of triggering unrest, when you have good friends from the said community, why don't you try to resolve these issues through dialogue?

A: Being a representative of the media, what you are telling is true. Even when issues are brought forward with proof, the community members concerned are not ready to accept their fault. This ends hopes of arriving at a logical conclusion. No one is ready to accept the truth. Truth is always bitter. Fear of rejection in the community may be the reason which hinders them from acting against this.


Q: Swamiji, you had aspired to contest in the previous assembly elections. Would you be focusing on the next one?

A: Earlier there was a call for me to join politics and be a role model to all. I even pondered on this aspect. However, later developments and meetings with seers, people who are close to me, including lawyers, doctors, and including a doctor who obtained a degree from FRCS asked me to drop the idea. He even asked me whether I was joining politics to make money. My intention has always been to serve society. As of now though, I do not have any plans of contesting elections. I have left the decision to the almighty.


Q: You have always supported the BJP. Do you think that BJP leaders are apprehensive about getting sidelined if you entered politics?

A: I do not have any information in this regard. They may be or may not be feeling this way. I idolise Yogi Adityanath for the good administration he provides in his state. Being inspired by him and as he is into politics, I wished to join politics. However, he has nearly 40 years of experience, due to which I reconsidered my plan and dropped the idea. The answer to why I have chosen to support BJP is because the ideologies of the BJP is what I believe in as well.


Q: Under which party rule has your Math received grants? Is it during the Yediyurappa or Kumarswamy's reign?

A: Grants were received during the BJP government. Even during the reign of the Kumaraswamy government grants were sanctioned, however, the Math did not receive the grant.


Q: Recently, Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat stirred a controversy stating that Ullal has become like Pakistan. Do you agree or disagree with his statement?

A: When we visit Ullal, we do feel that Ullal has become a mini Pakistan. I have been to Ullal many times and whenever we visit the city a sense of feeling unsafe creeps in. Even Adoor used to be a sensitive area, which has now changed. The statement given by Dr Prabhakar Bhat is not far from truth. Maybe MLAs have failed to realise this. The incidents that take place there always trigger panic.


Q: Coming back to the topic of love Jihad, why do you frequently raise this issue? Moreover, you had also set up a task force against love Jihad. What is its status now?

A: When the media questioned me in Priyanka's case, I had stated that I would form a task force and stringent decisions will be taken to prevent love Jihad. After the formation of the task force, 27 cases came to our notice, of which, 17 cases have been resolved without any legal hurdle. I raise this issue frequently because there is a need for an appropriate law against love Jihad. We have also proposed a stringent law. As I was into various other organisations, the task force is functioning smoothly and secretly working to uphold the law of the land. As I am in Sangh Parivar and there is no need for an alternative organisation, the task force is functioning at its own pace.


Q: Swamiji, you have raised your voice against cow slaughter as well. The state government prior to the elections claimed that it would bring anti-cow slaughter law, but later there was no development in this regard, and only controversial statements were made. Some organisations have also taken matters in their hands and are doing the job of the police. Why is this happening?

A: The governments which ruled this country had to bring the law to prevent the cow slaughter. There are anti-cow slaughter laws in Haryana, Punjab, Odisha and Bihar, where they have already been implemented. The present government has come forward to pass a law against the same. Ministers in the state government have taken a good decision that Kollur, Kateel, Subrahmanya and other resourceful government temples should set up 'Gaushalas'. This is a victory for our struggle.

As there is no stringent law to protect cattle, organisations are coming forward. The present law is not effective, given the cases of cattle trafficking are still on the rise. The person who catches the cattle and the person who illegally transports both are booked. Booking the person for preventing illegal cattle trafficking, is this justice?


Q: Some people say, Swamiji who is supposed to be in the Math is found giving provocative speeches, statements and indulging in creating a rift in society. What is your response?

A: I have displayed boundless love to people of all communities. I have never divided society, nor will I ever do. When incidents love jihad, illegal cattle trafficking and land mafia take place, I cannot be a mute spectator. In this regard, I will fearlessly voice out my opinion. For a peaceful living, everyone should cooperate in society.


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Comment on this article

  • JANETTE USHA DSOUZA, MANGALORE

    Tue, Nov 17 2020

    When is the next election - one more strong candidate getting ready. Power money fame is too strong.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • N.M, Mangalore

    Mon, Nov 16 2020

    Never heard any BJP -RSS leader speak against their government or hold protests when Hathras rape took place in UP or for that matter when over 100 infants died in Uttar Pradesh due to Yogi's mismanagement.

    DisAgree [14] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • Indian, Mangalore

    Mon, Nov 16 2020

    Why are you not concerned about recent 2 suicides in Udupi bcz of those 2 girls were cheated by their boy friend? Is that bcz guys are from your own community and making an issue out of it is not helping particular political party?

    DisAgree [10] Agree [38] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, joe_saldanha@mail.com

    Mon, Nov 16 2020

    Love is not a One Way Street ...

    DisAgree [7] Agree [27] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ivan Dsouza, Udupi/USA

    Mon, Nov 16 2020

    My view related to this topic is - In a marriage, more the dissimilarities harder to carry on. It makes much easier when the couple is from same community, same religion, same region, same language & practices etc., Immidiate infatuations, attaractions wear down eventually. Then the couple will realize how the hasty decision leads to misery. So if a boy or girl doesn’t find a partner, now a days one can live as a single. Better than losing your life by wrong marriage.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • Concerned citizen, Mangaluru

    Mon, Nov 16 2020

    Walls of hatred erected in the name of religion. So called Love Jihad kind of myth does not irritate 1.3 biliion indians except handful belong to a section of political wing only.

    DisAgree [16] Agree [28] Reply Report Abuse

  • RSRB, Kundapura

    Mon, Nov 16 2020

    Concerned citizen, Mangaluru

    Can you tell me a single issue, which affects all 1.3 billion people of India?
    Also, if an issue affects handful of people, is it wrong to address such an issue?

    DisAgree [20] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • Concerned citizen, Mangaluru

    Mon, Nov 16 2020

    I didnt mention single issue which effect entire nation but yes handful of people did make issue out of propotion to create rift between two communities sheer to fullfill political agenda which did make inpact the integrity of nation. Its a known fact to the world.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • Nitin, Bangalore/SA

    Tue, Feb 09 2021

    @ Concerned Indian I can refer to several cases, Please Goodle who is "Nikita Tomar" and watch how she was Killed in youtube video, Awaiting your reply ..!!!

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • k b r, Mangala Uru

    Mon, Nov 16 2020

    is there in country in the world where people in robe (attire of religious functionaries) are ruling / influencing the rulers and that country is well known , developed/advanced and people are attracted to that country....

    DisAgree [4] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • H. Almeida., Bendur/Andheri

    Sun, Nov 15 2020

    Swamiji from Vajredehi math, has given lucid answers, opinions, without mincing any words, regarding complex issues, faced by the citizens in India, his thoughts must be respected, considering the unrest, volatile situation, in our nation and around our subcontinent.... We cannot be lethargic to grave provocations, from enemies based within and beyond our borders, who only dream of creating anarchy, havoc n death in our nation....

    DisAgree [27] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • AM, Mangalore

    Sun, Nov 15 2020

    Vajradehi Swamiji spoken facts in the interview, and if ignored now, then one day it will be out of control.
    Free conversion may be some extent acceptable to any liberal society, but through fake love and promises innocent girls will be lost to nowhere to return.

    DisAgree [46] Agree [50] Reply Report Abuse

  • AD, Mangalore

    Sun, Nov 15 2020

    There are so many catholic girls marrying Hindu boys. If same definition is applied this too is Love Jihad . But its not so , one should not generalise the term. If there is fraud and deciet in a relationship then there are constitutional remedies for it. By generalising Love Jihad for one community is divisive and is not good for society at large.Another aspect of generalising it shows that the girls are gullible and naive and cannot make decisons which are right for themsleves and have to be dominated ina patriarchal society.

    DisAgree [27] Agree [71] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rajesh, Mangalore

    Mon, Nov 16 2020

    Yes, there are hundreds of catholic Girls who have married Hindu boys. similarly there are lot many catholic boys who have married Hindu Girls. Not far away but in our own sensitive districts.

    Not just that for your kind information, there are no murders or conversions post marriage. This is because the couple are broad minded and do not force ones religion against the other. They are tolerant societies. It is not one way street.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • True Indian, Mangalore

    Sun, Nov 15 2020

    FOLLOWING THE FOOTSTEP OF YOGI

    DisAgree [22] Agree [66] Reply Report Abuse

  • Pravin, Udupi

    Sun, Nov 15 2020

    Nothing wrong in that.

    DisAgree [76] Agree [36] Reply Report Abuse

  • Nayan, Udupi

    Sun, Nov 15 2020

    Yogi is a great leader. Good that he is following his principles.

    DisAgree [79] Agree [27] Reply Report Abuse

  • Veer, Nagpur

    Sun, Nov 15 2020

    How true is to the constitutional oath he has taken to be a 'Great Leader' ????????...

    DisAgree [16] Agree [42] Reply Report Abuse

  • SAN SHETTY, Mangaluru

    Sun, Nov 15 2020

    you could have asked it to jawaharlal nehru also when the chinese took the land and he said its barren and even grass doesnt grow there....didnt he take oath to safeguard our country????

    DisAgree [31] Agree [16] Report Abuse

  • Veer, Nagpur

    Mon, Nov 16 2020

    All ministers have to take oath as part of the constitutional duty as Nehru also took oath and fought with China within whatever ability and resources available after creating a indepandant India and lost many of our brave soldiers. FYI, this fight has not ended, it's a ongoing fight no matter what regime comes to power in India until the communist regime in China ceases to exist.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [16] Report Abuse

  • Clifford, Mangalore

    Sun, Nov 15 2020

    Yogi great leader under whose rule highest number of infant deaths have taken place. Highest number of people killed in fake encounters. Unemployment high. Apart from communal agenda, he has nothing else to his credit.

    DisAgree [17] Agree [63] Reply Report Abuse

  • Tilak, Pune

    Mon, Nov 16 2020

    Voters of U.P will decide the fate of Yogi Adithyanath on whether he has done good or bad to the society.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [12] Report Abuse

  • Guru, Mulki

    Sun, Nov 15 2020

    I agree with you. Some day Yogi will be PM of our country.

    DisAgree [52] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • Veer, Nagpur

    Sun, Nov 15 2020

    Then India will become mega UP.

    DisAgree [18] Agree [45] Report Abuse

  • SAN SHETTY, Mangaluru

    Sun, Nov 15 2020

    it will happen one day....for everyone to live happily.

    DisAgree [47] Agree [14] Report Abuse


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Title: Exclusive: Not targeting any community, but can't remain silent on love Jihad - Vajradehi Swamiji



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