Does Jitendra Awad, Ishrat Jahan’s Supporter, Think of Himself as Honorable Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar?
The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has called for strict action against those planning to burn the Hindu scripture ‘Manusmriti’. This demand follows a public appeal by Jitendra Awad on social media on May 29th, 2024, urging people to burn the ‘Manusmriti’ at Mahad. The Samiti argues that this act could disrupt social harmony and create unnecessary tension between different communities within Hindu society, especially during the enforcement of the election code of conduct. The controversy stems from the state government’s new educational curriculum, which includes a lesson titled ‘Abhiwadansheelasya Nityam Vridhopasevin’ derived from the ‘Manusmriti’. The lesson teaches values such as respect for senior citizens, parents, and teachers, and emphasizes the benefits of serving elders. Despite the positive message intended by this lesson, progressives like Jitendra Awad, known for opposing Sanatan Dharma, have criticized the inclusion of any material from the ‘Manusmriti’.
In response to the planned protest, representatives of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, including Advocate Umesh Athawale and Nitin Gawand, submitted a statement to Raigad Collector Shri Kishan Javale. They urged the government to prevent actions that could incite discrimination and unrest. The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti’s stance underscores their commitment to preserving religious texts and promoting respect and unity within society. The government is expected to review the situation and take appropriate measures to maintain order.
Publicity Stunts and Controversies Surrounding Jitendra Awad
Maharashtra is well aware of Jitendra Awad’s propensity for seeking publicity and garnering votes from the Muslim community in Mumbai. Awad, known for his controversial actions and statements, has a history of leveraging sensitive issues for political gain. Notable incidents include: Awad previously conducted a photo session wearing a ‘Save Gaza’ t-shirt, ostensibly to appeal to Muslim voters. He initiated an ambulance service named after Ishrat Jahan, who was killed in an encounter in Gujarat, sparking significant controversy. In 2020, while holding a ministerial position, Awad allegedly used his power to have Hindu activist Anant Karamuse kidnapped and brutally beaten by the police. Photos of Karamuse’s injuries remain on social media. Awad has admitted to having 25 criminal cases registered against him, as stated in his 2019 affidavit to the Election Commission. He frequently makes inflammatory statements regarding Sanatan Dharma and Lord Shri Ram, further fueling tensions.
These actions highlight Awad’s controversial approach to politics and his attempts to polarize and appeal to specific voter bases. His latest call to burn the ‘Manusmriti’ is seen as another attempt to create social discord for political gain. The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti’s demand for legal action against such acts underscores the need to maintain social harmony and respect for religious sentiments.
Controversy Over Manusmriti and Selective Criticism
The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has raised concerns about the selective criticism of religious texts, questioning the intentions behind the call to burn the ‘Manusmriti’ due to objections over certain verses. They argue that if such actions are justified, then writings by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar in his book ‘Thoughts on Pakistan’, which are critical of Muslims, should be subject to the same scrutiny. The Samiti also questions whether Jitendra Awad and others would equally condemn violent directives found in certain religious texts, such as orders to kill non-believers (referred to as Kafirs), rape and enslave their women, confiscate their property, impose ‘Jizya’ tax, and demolish their religious places.
The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti suggests that the call to burn ‘Manusmriti’ is a politically motivated move by Jitendra Awad to attract Muslim votes ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. They imply that this action is part of an anti-Hindu conspiracy aimed at polarizing voters and gaining political mileage. The Samiti questions why only certain texts are targeted while others with controversial content are not subjected to similar criticism. They allege that Jitendra Awad’s actions are driven by a desire to garner Muslim votes, accusing him of exploiting religious sentiments for electoral gain. The Samiti challenges Awad and others to apply the same standards of criticism and condemnation to all religious texts that contain objectionable content. The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti’s stance highlights the complexities and potential biases in addressing controversial religious texts, calling for a uniform approach to criticism and action. They advocate for equal treatment of all religious texts and question the motivations behind selective condemnation.
