Rahul, two other Opposition MPs booked over skit on Ram temple donation ‘theft’

What happened: FIR against Rahul Gandhi and two Opposition MPs over a Parliament skit

Uttar Pradesh Police registered a first information report (FIR) in Varanasi against Rahul Gandhi, Parliament member Pappu Yadav, and Parliament member Awadhesh Prasad. The FIR relates to a skit staged at Parliament premises that allegedly portrayed “theft” of donations and “donation embezzlement” connected to the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Uttar Pradesh Police registered the FIR based on a complaint by Jagadguru Balak Das of Patalpuri Math and other seers. In the FIR, police cited Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provisions linked to promoting enmity between groups, deliberate malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings, acts intended to wound religious feelings, and offences committed by multiple people with a shared intention.

The complaint alleged that the skit insulted “bhagwa” (saffron), described as a sacred colour in the Sanatana tradition. The skit allegedly included symbolic portrayals: Rahul Gandhi was allegedly shown placing money in a box, while Pappu Yadav was allegedly shown placing a portion into his pockets to symbolise alleged donation embezzlement. Pappu Yadav reportedly wore saffron during the performance.

Background and earlier position: complaint initiation and petition demands

A complaint by Jagadguru Balak Das of Patalpuri Math and other seers preceded the FIR. BJP leaders including Lok Sabha MP Bansuri Swaraj submitted a petition demanding action against Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, and Awadhesh Prasad for staging the skit at Parliament premises.