Complaints Filed Against Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav Over Ram Temple Donation Protest Act

Varanasi, Aug 2026 : Seers and lawyers in Uttar Pradesh have filed police complaints against Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Independent MP Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav, alleging that an act staged at the Parliament premises over the alleged misappropriation of Ram Temple donations hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus.

The controversy erupted on Friday after Pappu Yadav appeared in the Parliament complex dressed as a monk and enacted a scene highlighting alleged irregularities in donations collected for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Several Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, were seen participating in the episode.

The incident drew strong criticism from seers and Hindu organisations, who accused the MPs of disrespecting the saffron robe, the saint community and religious sentiments associated with Lord Ram.

Two separate complaints were submitted in Varanasi. One was filed by seers at the Kotwali police station, while another was submitted by a group of lawyers, seeking legal action against the MPs.

Patalpuri Math head priest Jagadguru Balak Das Devacharya condemned the episode and alleged that the act amounted to an insult to the saffron attire and the saint community.

He said a complaint had been lodged against the Opposition leaders involved in the episode and warned that the seer community could launch large-scale protests if action was not initiated.

Varanasi Deputy Commissioner of Police (Kashi Zone) Gaurav Banswal confirmed that the police had received a written complaint following the circulation of videos of the incident on social media.

According to the DCP, the complaint primarily named Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav in connection with the act. Police are examining the allegations and the material submitted with the complaint.

The controversy also triggered a protest by lawyers in Varanasi. The protesting advocates accused Pappu Yadav of insulting Sanatan Dharma and demanded action against both him and Rahul Gandhi.

Advocate Vineet Kumar Singh said the lawyers had submitted a formal written complaint to the Cantonment police authorities, seeking registration of a case rather than merely submitting a memorandum.

The issue has also reached the national capital. A complaint was filed at Jahangirpuri Police Station on Friday by petitioner Surya Maithil, alleging that Pappu Yadav had hurt religious sentiments through his conduct during the protest at the Parliament complex.

Meanwhile, the incident has prompted demonstrations by seers and Hindu organisations in several parts of the country. The Vishva Hindu Parishad and other Hindu outfits have criticised the episode and accused Pappu Yadav of insulting Sanatan Dharma.

The controversy has added another flashpoint to the ongoing political confrontation in Parliament, with the Opposition using symbolic demonstrations to highlight allegations surrounding temple donations, while religious groups have demanded that such issues not be trivialised through political performances.

Police authorities are expected to examine the complaints, videos and other available material before deciding on further legal action.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)