Mar 13 • 11:44 UTC 🇮🇳 India Aaj Tak (Hindi)

'That Jihadi...' Swami Yashveer's Anger Over Monalisa-Farman's Wedding

Swami Yashveer expressed strong opposition to the marriage of Monalisa and Farman Khan, labeling it as 'love jihad' and demanding action against the priest who conducted the ceremony.

In a recent controversy stemming from the marriage of Indian actress Monalisa to Farman Khan from Baghpat, Hindu nationalist groups have voiced their outrage, particularly in the wake of Monalisa's rise to fame during the recent Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Swami Yashveer Maharaj, a prominent figure among the protestors, denounced the marriage as 'love jihad' – a term used by some Hindu groups to describe interfaith marriages where they believe that Hindu women are being converted to Islam under the guise of love. He claimed that Monalisa's marriage to a Muslim man constitutes a betrayal of the Sanatan Dharma, or Hindu beliefs, and sparked significant backlash in the community.

Swami Yashveer further demanded accountability from the priest who officiated the wedding, stating the priest erred by allowing a non-Hindu to enter the temple where the ceremony took place. He called for immediate legal actions against the families involved and assured them of unwavering support from the Hindu community in their efforts. Yashveer's statements reflect a concerning precedent of pushing for increased scrutiny and limitations on inter-religious marriages, particularly targeting relations between Hindu women and Muslim men.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions within Indian society regarding religious identity and marriage. The rhetoric surrounding 'love jihad' has been controversial, often leading to social divisions and hostility against interfaith marriages. This event is likely to amplify discussions about religious freedom and the rights of individuals to choose their partners, set against a backdrop of rising sectarian sentiments in India.

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