A Ram Katha event being held at Victoria Park in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, has become the centre of a major controversy after Hindu spiritual leader Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya made controversial remarks about women and family life in Islam. His statements, which drew a stark comparison between Hindu and Muslim traditions, have sparked outrage among Muslim communities and civil society groups across the state.
Addressing a large gathering, the spiritual leader claimed that while Hinduism grants mothers a status even above that of fathers, Muslim women are subjected to suffering and are valued primarily as wives or for bearing children. He criticised Islamic marital practices, alleging that having multiple children from one woman and then issuing triple talaq once the woman grows older amounts to a “use and throw” approach—something he said is alien to Hindu tradition.
He further urged families to avoid sending their children to convent schools or madrasas, instead recommending Saraswati Vidyalayas as a way to instil cultural values. On the topic of family planning, he added that having a large number of children leads one to “hell,” and suggested limiting families to two or three children, regardless of gender, with a focus on discipline and cultural upbringing.
The comments have drawn sharp criticism from Muslim community members and civil society groups across Uttar Pradesh. Dr Aslam Qureshi, a social worker based in Meerut, called the remarks offensive and misleading, emphasising that Islam grants women significant rights and dignity. “These kinds of statements damage communal harmony and misrepresent our beliefs,” he said.
This is not the first time Swami Rambhadracharya has courted controversy. He had earlier described western Uttar Pradesh as a “mini-Pakistan,” a comment that also drew condemnation. Former Samajwadi Party MP Dr ST Hasan termed it an insult to both Muslims and residents of the region.
Religious leaders have since called for restraint and mutual respect. Maulana Aftab Ahmed of Meerut stressed that Islamic teachings honour women and grant them their rightful place in society. He expressed disappointment that a religious event meant for spiritual learning was being used to promote divisive narratives.
The Ram Katha, which began on 8 September, was intended to focus on religious teachings and spiritual reflection. However, some attendees expressed discomfort with the communal overtones in recent speeches. “We expected devotion and spiritual guidance, not rhetoric that divides communities,” said one local resident who preferred to remain anonymous.
The situation has reignited discussions about the influence of religious leaders in public life and their responsibility to maintain social harmony. Rights activists caution that spreading false or inflammatory claims about religious practices can heighten communal tensions.
Although Rambhadracharya continues to advocate for the preservation of Hindu values, he has stated that this should not come at the cost of truth or peace, invoking the Sanatan Dharma principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the idea that the whole world is one family.
Legal experts have pointed out that while freedom of expression is constitutionally protected, remarks that single out communities could fall under Indian Penal Code provisions related to inciting enmity.
Muslim organisations and community leaders have responded with calls for calm and emphasised the need for peaceful coexistence. “We believe in respecting all faiths, but will not stay silent when false narratives are used to target our women and families,” said Ayesha Siddiqui, an educationist based in Meerut.
As the issue continues to gain traction online and in national media, it has highlighted the ongoing challenge of balancing free speech with communal sensitivity in India’s religious discourse.
