Uttar Pradesh: BJP Slams SP’s Afzal Ansari’s Call to Legalize ‘Ganja’

BJP MP Baburam Nishad recently condemned Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Afzal Ansari’s remarks about Hindu saints and ‘sadhus,’ accusing him of disrespecting Hindu culture and traditions. Ansari had sparked controversy by suggesting that the government should legalize ganja (marijuana), claiming that “lakhs of saints and sages smoke ganja.” He further stated that even if a “train full of ganja” were sent to the Kumbh Mela, it would quickly be consumed, questioning the ongoing illegality of the substance in India​.

According to Ansari, “lakhs of saints and sages smoke ganja.” He further commented that even if a “train full of ganja” were sent to the Kumbh Mela, it would quickly be consumed. Ansari’s remarks questioned why ganja is still illegal in India despite its usage by religious figures like saints and sadhus

Baburam Nishad’s response was firm. “People like Afzal Ansari do not have the right to make comments about my religion, culture, ‘kumbh’, Sanatan, etc. He should be careful about what he says, and such remarks will not be tolerated,” Nishad stated. He emphasized that his party and the Hindu community know how to respond to such provocations but prefer to follow the path of humanity. Nishad also highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s philosophy of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” stressing that Hinduism does not engage in criticism of other religions and expects the same respect in return​.

The controversy, however, is not just about one comment. Ansari’s remarks have ignited a broader political debate, especially as the BJP continues to assert itself as a protector of Indian traditions. Nishad’s call for restraint, while asserting his party’s defense of Sanatan Dharma, further deepens the divide between the BJP and the Samajwadi Party, who often clash on matters of religious and cultural identity. Nishad’s statement also reflects growing tensions as India continues to grapple with issues related to religious sensitivities and freedom of speech.

This incident comes at a politically sensitive time, as the 2024 elections loom closer, with parties looking to secure their voter bases. The remarks have created a storm on social media and political circles, intensifying debates on the place of religion and tradition in India’s evolving political landscape. While no immediate legal action has been announced, calls for Ansari to retract his statements have gained traction among Hindu groups and BJP supporters. The BJP, riding on its stance of protecting Indian traditions, seems poised to use this controversy to rally further support among its base.

As the controversy unfolds, the wider implications for Hindu-Muslim political relations in Uttar Pradesh and across India could play a pivotal role in the upcoming electoral battles.

The upcoming electoral battles in Uttar Pradesh refer to the 2024 by-elections for 10 assembly seats. These bypolls have been necessitated following the election of sitting MLAs to the Lok Sabha earlier this year. This includes seats previously held by the Samajwadi Party (SP), the BJP, and its allies. Key seats such as Karhal, Phulpur, Milkipur, and Ghaziabad Sadar will witness significant contests between the NDA (BJP-led coalition) and the INDIA bloc (SP-Congress alliance). These bypolls are seen as a litmus test for the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government following their setback in the recent Lok Sabha elections, where the SP won 37 seats while the BJP secured only 33 seats​.

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These by-elections are particularly crucial as they will set the tone for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, providing insight into the political momentum of the BJP and opposition alliances in the state. Both the BJP and the INDIA bloc will use this opportunity to consolidate support and test strategies ahead of the larger electoral battle.

As of now, the Election Commission of India has not yet announced the schedule for the 2024 Uttar Pradesh by-elections. These bypolls are to fill 10 vacant assembly seats, and both the BJP-led NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc (SP-Congress alliance) have started preparations for these crucial elections.