BJP leader booked for endorsing Yati’s comparison of Prophet to Ravan in UP

Fatehgarh police in Uttar Pradesh registered a First Information Report (FIR) on October 26 against BJP leader Ankit Tiwari, following his inflammatory remarks in support of far-right priest Yati Narasinghanand.

Tiwari’s comments, made in a video circulated widely on social media, endorsed Narasinghanand’s provocative statement equating the Prophet Muhammad with Ravan from Hindu mythology, asserting that Ravan committed fewer sins. Tiwari additionally called for the burning of the Prophet’s effigy during Dussehra festivals, suggesting it should become a yearly ritual.

The FIR was filed under charges of promoting enmity between religious groups and making objectionable remarks about religious figures. This move by the police came in response to public outrage over Tiwari’s derogatory statements, which critics say further deepen sectarian divides. Fatehgarh police confirmed that necessary legal action is underway.

Narasinghanand, a priest with a history of inflammatory rhetoric against Islam, had previously stirred controversy with similar comments, calling for effigies of the Prophet Muhammad to be burned during Dussehra.

Known for his contentious speeches, Narasinghanand has been arrested in the past for hate speech in Haridwar and has directed critical remarks not only toward Islam but also against former President Abdul Kalam and even Prime Minister Modi.

Tiwari’s remarks come amid a worrying rise in online hate speech against Muslims in India, which analysts say is becoming a mainstream political tactic. Recent studies highlight that anti-Muslim rhetoric is increasingly prevalent, especially in BJP-ruled states, with hate speech incidents climbing significantly on platforms like YouTube.