SP neta held for derogatory remarks on Lord Ram; expelled

Lucknow: Hardoi police on Friday arrested Samajwadi Party member Yadunandan Lal Verma for allegedly making objectionable remarks about Lord Ram, religious traditions and Hindu beliefs during a public gathering.According to the police, Verma, a resident of Kanthukheda village under Harpalpur police station limits, used "abusive and inflammatory language" while referring to the Ashwamedh Yajna and the birth of Lord Ram during his speech. A video of the remarks went viral on social media, following which an FIR was registered under Sections 299 and 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 67 of the IT Act. Acting swiftly, the Harpalpur police arrested the accused and initiated further legal proceedings.UP BJP president Pankaj Chaudhary said public will give a befitting reply to such remarks. The chairperson of the State Women Commission termed the comments "cheap and disgraceful," while Union minister SP Singh Baghel described it as part of a "larger conspiracy." The SP distanced itself from Verma and cancelled his primary membership. SP MP Anand Bhadauria condemned the remarks, asserting that the party has no association with his statement.