Gujarat minister flogs self with chains at religious meet; Congress says don't spread 'superstition'

Both Raiyani and the ruling BJP, however, rubbished the Congress claim and maintained there was a distinction between faith and superstition

Gujarat Minister Arvind Raiyani landed in a controversy on Friday after a video of him flogging himself with metal chains at a religious event went viral on social media, with the opposition Congress accusing him of spreading "superstition" through such acts.

Both Raiyani and the ruling BJP, however, rubbished the Congress claim and maintained there was a distinction between faith and superstition.

In the viral video, the minister, who handles transport, civil aviation and tourism portfolios, can be seen swaying and flogging himself with metal chains at the religious function.

Speaking to reporters, Raiyani said a religious gathering was organised to pay respect to his family deity at his native village in Rajkot district on Thursday.

"I have been a staunch devotee of the deity since childhood. My family organises such religious gatherings at our native village. You cannot term it (my act) as superstition. We were just worshipping our deity," the minister said.

Gujarat Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi slammed the BJP leader for "spreading superstition".

"Despite being a minister, Raiyani was spreading superstition by performing such unscientific acts. He was spreading superstition just like an exorcist. It is unfortunate that such people are serving as a minister in the Gujarat government," Doshi said.

Defending the minister's action, Gujarat BJP spokesperson Yagnesh Dave said the Congress needs to understand the difference between faith and superstition.

"This is a matter of someone's personal religious belief. There is a thin line that separates faith and superstition. Everyone has different ways to worship their deities. Traditional rituals should not be termed as superstition. The Congress should refrain from hurting religious sentiments," Dave said. 

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!