Dhirendra Shastri Row: Govt Aircraft Use & Cop Gesture Sparks Storm (2025)

A major political controversy has erupted in Chhattisgarh after a video went viral showing Bageshwar Dham head Dhirendra Shastri arriving in Raipur on a state-owned aircraft. The row intensified as the footage captured an on-duty police officer removing his cap and shoes to touch the preacher’s feet, leading to a heated exchange between the ruling BJP and the Opposition Congress over the alleged “misuse of public money.“

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The Raipur Airport Incident

On Thursday, December 25, 2025, Dhirendra Shastri landed at Raipur airport accompanied by Chhattisgarh State Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb. The viral clip shows the preacher alighting from the government plane, following which an on-duty police officer—identified as the SHO of Mana Basti police station—salutes the minister and then proceeds to pay obeisance to Shastri by touching his feet. The preacher was in the state to lead a religious discourse in Bhilai.

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Key Figures: Dhirendra Shastri Aircraft Controversy (Dec 2025)

Political War of Words

The Congress party has launched a sharp attack, demanding an official clarification on the constitutional authority under which a religious preacher was provided a state plane.

• Congress Stance: Communication head Sushil Anand Shukla termed the move a “looting of the state treasury.” He argued that Shastri is a “self-proclaimed godman” and that his presence facilitated by state funds promotes social discord rather than composite culture.

• BJP Stance: State BJP spokesperson Santosh Pandey countered by defending the police officer’s gesture as an expression of personal belief. He accused the Congress of being “anti-Sanatan,” drawing parallels to other religious practices performed by public servants at transit hubs.

• Minister’s Defense: Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb clarified that he had traveled to Satna for a prior meeting and that the preacher merely accompanied him, dismissing the misuse claims as “baseless.“

Ethical Debate Over “Uniform Protocol”

While the government maintains that no rules were broken, the incident has sparked a debate on social media regarding civil service conduct. Critics argue that a uniformed officer’s gesture undermines the secular and disciplined nature of the police force, while supporters believe that personal religious devotion should not be stripped away by a professional uniform.

Conclusion

The Chhattisgarh government has yet to announce any formal inquiry into the use of the aircraft or the officer’s conduct. As the religious event in Bhilai continues, the political fallout remains a central talking point in the state.

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Disclaimer: This report is based on video evidence and statements from political representatives reported as of December 27, 2025. Final interpretations of service conduct rules remain under the jurisdiction of the Chhattisgarh Home Department.

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