Vishal Dadlani referred to the speech of Jain monk Tarun Sagar as "monkery" on Twitter (File photo)
Highlights
- Dadlani, music composer, quit AAP after creating controversy
- He was critical of monk Tarun Sagar addressing Haryana lawmakers
- Nothing to forgive, says Jain monk, but Haryana police files case
No offense intended, said Vishal Dadlani, Bollywood composer; none taken, said Tarun Sagar, famous Jain monk, about the peace offering.
Over the weekend, Mr Dadlani, 43, who has scored Bollywood hits like 'Sheila Ki Jawani' and 'Desi Girl', expressed his opposition to the monk, referred to as Maharaj-ji by followers, being invited to specially address Haryana's law-makers on Friday. Mr Dadlani, a known proponent of the Aam Aadmi Party or AAP, said the event reflected an unhealthy trend of religion colouring politics.
Haryana is governed by the BJP.
Muni Taran Sagar, as he is known, today told NDTV, "
Dharam (religion) is
updesh (preaching) and
rajneeti (politics) is
taaqat (power), so the two must go together."
After online backlash, Mr Dadlani deleted his comment and issued a public apology to Jains "and all others offended". AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was quick to distance the party from the controversy, describing the monk "as a very revered saint, not just for Jains but everyone. Those showing disrespect is unfortunate and should stop."
In a rarity, this placed him on the same side as the BJP which faulted Mr Dadlani for disrespecting "a revered saint".
"Maharaj ji has already forgiven and forgotten this incident. He said that this a very small happening for me and does not affect me in anyway," said Satyendar Jain, a Delhi minister and top AAP leader.
However, the police isn't letting go. An FIR has been filed against Mr Dadlani on charges of offending religious sentiments.