The UP cleric Krishna remark controversy erupted after a video of Maulana Jarjis Ansari claiming Lord Krishna was Muslim and offered namaz went viral. Hindu groups demanded his arrest, while the cited Bhagavad Gita verse does not support the claim.
Viral Video Triggers Krishna Remark Controversy
A video of Maulana Jarjis Ansari has sparked a fresh religious controversy after he was heard claiming that Lord Krishna was a Muslim and offered namaz five times a day. The remarks were reportedly made during a religious address in Jharkhand on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, and later resurfaced on social media.
The clip gained wider attention amid the continuing Krishna Janmabhoomi dispute. Several Hindu organisations condemned the statement and demanded action against the cleric, alleging that the remarks were offensive and likely to disturb communal harmony. Authorities had not announced any fresh arrest or formal legal action linked to the viral clip at the time of the report.
Bhagavad Gita Verse Cited in Namaz Claim
During the speech, Ansari referred to Chapter 6, Verse 10 of the Bhagavad Gita and argued that it supported his claim that Lord Krishna prayed five times a day. He also stated that Hindu scriptures, when studied closely, would lead people to appreciate Islam and described Islam as a universal faith associated with Lord Ram and Lord Krishna.
However, the commonly accepted meaning of the cited verse relates to meditation, self-control, solitude, freedom from desire and disciplined spiritual practice. It does not mention Islam, namaz or the practice of praying five times daily. The cleric’s interpretation has therefore been challenged by religious commentators and critics online.
Hindu Groups Seek Arrest Over Jharkhand Speech
The remarks prompted protests and demands for Ansari’s arrest from Hindu groups. Critics said linking Hindu deities to Islamic practices through a disputed interpretation of scripture was provocative. Supporters of legal action called for authorities to examine the complete speech, verify its location and date, and determine whether it violated any law.
The viral video also triggered a wider debate over religious speech, freedom of expression and the responsibility of public speakers when commenting on another faith. Police officials had not publicly confirmed the filing of a new case over the remarks when the original report was published.
Cleric’s Previous Legal Controversies Resurface
The controversy has also brought renewed attention to Ansari’s past statements and legal history. In 2022, another video attributed to him drew criticism over remarks concerning marital sexual relations. He was also convicted by a Varanasi fast-track court in September 2022 in a rape and blackmail case dating back to 2016.
According to the prosecution in that case, the complainant accused Ansari of sexually assaulting her, recording the act, repeatedly exploiting her on a false promise of marriage and later threatening her. The court sentenced him to 10 years in prison and imposed a fine. The latest viral speech is being discussed separately, and any new criminal liability would depend on police verification, evidence and applicable law.
