Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India], April 27 (ANI): Bageshwar Dham Peethadhish Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, during the Bharat Durga Shaktisthal and Dharma Sabha at Jamtha in Nagpur on Sunday, spoke on issues ranging from demographic shifts and 'Love Jihad' to his personal vision for a Hindu Rashtra.

He used the platform to call for cultural vigilance and a deep-rooted commitment to nationalist ideologies. Labelling 'Love Jihad' a 'slow poison' that is spreading its roots from Madhya Pradesh into Maharashtra, Shastri expressed grave concern over what he termed 'anti-religious forces.'

He cited over 280 cases filed in Madhya Pradesh in a single year as evidence of a growing trend. While stating that 'it is not wrong to love,' he argued that changing names and disguises to 'violate values and culture' is a crime.

'Our only prayer is that you may become anything, but never become a burqa-clad woman,' he told the gathering, urging the Maharashtra government to follow Madhya Pradesh's lead in enacting strict legislation.

Addressing his controversial suggestion that families should have four children and dedicate one to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Shastri clarified his stance on nationalism.

'The purpose behind this is to make him a nationalist. Whether you dedicate him to the RSS, the army, or make him a collector... keep his ideology consistent with the RSS so he can continue to wave the flag of Hindutva.'

In a rare personal note, Shastri added that he eventually intends to enter the 'grihasth' (householder) stage of life himself and would 'contribute to increasing the population of Hindus as much as God wills.'

Shastri also defended his practice against accusations of promoting blind faith, drawing a 'fine line' between devotion and superstition.

He defined faith as 'trust based on understanding' and superstition as 'trust without understanding.' He maintained that his goal is to connect people to Lord Balaji Hanuman, not himself. 'If inspiring people to visit Hanuman temples is superstition, then all religions in this country would be considered superstition,' he argued.

Following backlash over previous remarks concerning Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Shastri offered a sincere apology to avoid division within the 'Sanatani' community.

He claimed his statements were misrepresented on social media and expressed deep regret. He credited Shivaji Maharaj as the primary inspiration for the concept of Swaraj and the ideology of a Hindu Rashtra.

'If we squabble among ourselves, others will get the chance,' he warned, reaffirming his devotion to the Maratha empire founder.

Earlier on April 26, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut strongly reacted to the controversy surrounding Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, popularly known as Bageshwar Baba, over his reported remarks on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, questioning the silence and no response from senior leaders at the event where the statement was made.

Raut said that the remarks allegedly altered historical facts related to Shivaji Maharaj and were made in the presence of top political and organisational leadership. '...The one in power should be enraged too that a Baba came to Maharashtra and changed the history of Shivaji Maharaj in the presence of the Chief Minister and all other leaders...' he said.

Shastri's remarks during an event held in Maharashtra that was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat and many other leaders, triggered political reactions across parties.

Dhirendra Krishna Shastri is a spiritual leader and the head of the Bageshwar Dham Temple in Madhya Pradesh. (ANI)