BJP members share clipped video of Congress leader Rashid Alvi’s “Jai Shri Ram” speech

by Kinjal

BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya tweeted a video of Congress politician Rashid Alvi on November 12. In the video, Alvi can be heard saying, “Beware, not everyone who chants ‘Jai Shri Ram’ is a saint, but a demon.” Sharing the 10-second video clip, Malviya wrote that Congress members’ hearts are filled with hatred for Hindus. (Archive link)

BJP UP spokesperson Prashant Patel Umrao also tweeted the video and claimed that Alvi termed those who raise “Jai Shri Ram” slogans as “demons”. (Archive link)

BJP Haryana state in-charge Arun Yadav (Archive link) and BJP Indore chief Gaurav Ranadive (Archive link) further amplified the clip.

Clipped video placed out of context

Alt News found a November 11 video of Alvi’s full speech posted by Kalki Mahotsav. At the 8:50 mark, the leader said, “In the Ramayana when Lakshman fell ill, Lord Hanuman was entrusted with procuring the sanjivani booti. And he had to retrieve it before sunrise or Lakshman would not survive. Meanwhile, Ravan tried to distract him and waste his time by sending a demon disguised as a saint. As Lord Hanuman was flying in the sky, he spotted the demon sitting below chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’.”

“These days many people have begun raising the ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogan,” added Alvi, narrating that Hanuman, upon hearing the chant, flew down and fell on the saint’s feet. “Then the demon, sent to waste Lord Hanuman’s time, said that one cannot chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’ if they have not bathed.”

Continuing the story Alvi said that Hanuman went to bathe in a river and a crocodile latched onto his leg. The crocodile was actually an apsara, who returned to her original form and reminded him that he must bring the sanjivani booti before sunrise. She also revealed that the sage chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ was actually an impostor (a demon).

After recounting the story, Alvi made the statement that appears in the viral clip — “not everyone who chants ‘Jai Shri Ram’ is a saint”.

Alvi also clarified what he said — “I did not suggest whatsoever that every individual who chants ‘Jai Shri Ram’ is a demon. I simply stated that not everyone who chants ‘Jai Shri Ram’ is a saint. Lord Ram is a key part of our faith, and we cannot politicise one’s faith. I also stated that the right kind of Ram Rajya should indeed be inculcated in the country, the kind which is free from hatred. The BJP has a habit of dwelling on each and every word and twisting the facts.”

Numerous prominent BJP leaders, therefore, shared a clipping of a speech by Rashid Alvi out of context.

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About the Author

Kinjal Parmar holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. However, her keen interest in journalism, drove her to pursue journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. At Alt News since 2019, she focuses on authentication of information which includes visual verification, media misreports, examining mis/disinformation across social media. She is the lead video producer at Alt News and manages social media accounts for the organization.