The Haridwar administration's refusal to grant permission led to the removal of arrangements, including tents and other facilities, that had been set up for the event. Expressing his displeasure, Narasimhanand criticized the authorities for obstructing the assembly, which he claimed was intended to address concerns about the persecution of Hindus in neighboring countries.
In response to the denial, Narasimhanand announced a foot march from Haridwar to the Supreme Court, aiming to seek judicial intervention against what he perceives as suppression of religious freedoms. He also penned a letter in blood to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, urging action against the officials responsible for denying permission for the Dharma Sansad.
Undeterred by the setback in Haridwar, Narasimhanand has now set his sights on the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, scheduled for early 2025. He intends to organize the Dharma Sansad during this significant religious gathering, which attracts millions of devotees from across the country. Narasimhanand has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take stringent measures to protect the Hindu community, particularly in light of alleged atrocities in Bangladesh.
The denial of permission in Haridwar is not an isolated incident. Authorities have previously intervened to prevent such assemblies due to concerns over potential hate speech and communal tensions. In December 2021, a Dharma Sansad in Haridwar drew widespread condemnation after speakers, including Narasimhanand, allegedly made inflammatory remarks inciting violence against minority communities.
The Supreme Court of India has taken cognizance of such events in the past. In April 2022, the Court directed the Uttarakhand government to ensure that no hate speeches were delivered during a proposed Dharma Sansad in Roorkee. The event was subsequently denied permission by the state police, and an FIR was filed against the organizers.
Narasimhanand's activities have been under scrutiny due to his controversial statements and actions. He has been associated with several events where provocative speeches were made, leading to legal actions and public outcry. Despite this, he continues to command a following among certain sections of the Hindu community, who view his actions as a defense of their religious rights.
The upcoming Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj is one of the largest religious gatherings globally, held every twelve years at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. The event holds immense significance for Hindus, and the proposed Dharma Sansad by Narasimhanand is likely to draw attention from both supporters and critics.
The Uttar Pradesh state administration, responsible for overseeing the Kumbh Mela, has not yet commented on Narasimhanand's announcement. Given the controversies surrounding previous Dharma Sansads, authorities may face challenges in balancing the rights to religious assembly with the need to maintain communal harmony and public order.
Narasimhanand's appeal to Prime Minister Modi underscores his intent to escalate the issue to the highest levels of government. He has called for decisive action to address what he describes as the oppression of Hindus in Bangladesh, urging the Indian government to intervene. This aligns with his broader agenda of advocating for a Hindu Rashtra (nation), a stance that has been both supported and criticized within India's diverse socio-political landscape.
The denial of permission for the Haridwar event and the subsequent plans for Prayagraj highlight the ongoing tensions between religious expression and regulatory oversight in India. As the Maha Kumbh approaches, the proposed Dharma Sansad is poised to become a focal point of debate, raising questions about the limits of free speech, the role of religious assemblies, and the responsibilities of the state in managing such events.