After the recent controversial remarks by Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin regarding Sanatana Dharma, now Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Swami Prasad Maurya has stirred a fresh controversy with his statements on Hinduism.
Maurya has claimed that the term "Hindu" has Persian origins and means "thief" and "lowly." He also went on to accuse those demanding a Hindu nation of being traitors.
Swami Prasad Maurya made these statements while addressing a gathering in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh.
What we consider Hinduism is not even a religion. How can it be a religion? If Hinduism is a religion, everyone would be treated equally. Demanding a Hindu nation is not only against the constitution but is also treasonous."
The SP leader did not stop at that and made derogatory comments about Brahmins as well. He said, "Brahmins claim they were born from Brahma's mouth. They don't even believe that they were born from their mother's womb. Have you ever seen anyone being born from someone's mouth? Caste distinctions existed in the past and will continue to exist."
Maurya also stated that India was never a Hindu nation, is not one now, and will never be. He emphasized that caste divisions have been and will continue to be a part of Indian society.
It's worth noting that in Persian language dictionaries, the term "Hindu" is defined as someone living in Hindustan (India) and doesn't carry derogatory meanings.
However, Maurya's remarks have ignited a debate and drawn strong reactions from various quarters.