Rajasthan BJP MLA Balmukund Acharya uses gaumutra, Gangajal for 'purification ceremony' of turncoat Congress councillors

NEW DELHI: BJP MLA Balmukund Acharya conducted a "purification ceremony" at the Jaipur Municipal Corporation Heritage (JMCH) to address corruption and welcome former Congress councillors into the BJP.

Acharya, who is also the mahant of Hathoj Dham temple, used 'Gangajal' and 'gaumutra' in the ceremony, asserting that it would cleanse officials and councillors who were allegedly forced into corruption.

This event took place following the removal of former JMCH Mayor Munesh Gurjar due to corruption allegations. Subsequently, Kusum Yadav was appointed as the new mayor with support from seven Congress councillors and one independent member, all of whom joined the BJP.

Before Yadav officially took office, Acharya led the purification ceremony using Vedic mantras and chants. He stated, "We have purified the corporation with 'Gangajal', removing all impurities," expressing that the new leadership would operate in an environment of purity.

Acharya explained that the Congress councillors who joined BJP were included in the ritual to transform them into "Sanatanis." He said, "They have been cleansed of any impurity or corruption."

The BJP MLA emphasized that even the municipal corporation officials underwent the purification process because they had been "forced to indulge in corruption." After the ceremony, Acharya claimed that they would now work with honesty and integrity.

While the ceremony sparked some reactions, councillors who switched to the BJP stated that the aim was to eliminate corruption and negativity. Councillor Manoj Mudgal commented, "It's a normal practice in Hindu culture to use 'Gangajal' and 'gaumutra' for purification." Paras Jain, another councillor, reiterated that it was a ritual to cleanse the office of corruption. Councillor Sushila Devi clarified, "He was purifying the entire premises, not just us."

Acharya told reporters the ceremony represented a new beginning for the JMCH, claiming, "From today, this corporation is corruption-free."

Reacting to the ceremony, Congress state general secretary Swarnim Chaturvedi said, "BJP leaders in the state and Centre first accuse Congress leaders of corruption. They are threatened by the investigating agencies like ED, IT and CBI, but when they join the BJP they get absolved of their crimes."
Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.