Rajkot: A wave of protests has swept across Saurashtra following controversial remarks made by a Swaminarayan sect Swami in Surat about Pujya Jalaram Bapa of Virpur, a revered saint known for his charitable work. The Swami’s comments have deeply offended devotees, leading to widespread condemnation.

Initially, a call for a Virpur shutdown was issued, but it was later withdrawn after assurances were given that the Swami would visit Virpur and apologize. However, tensions remained. In Rajkot, youth protestors gathered on Bhupendra Road in front of the Swaminarayan temple and burned an effigy of the Swami. Police intervened to stop the demonstration.

Meanwhile, the Raghuvanshi Yuva Shakti Sangh has announced a “Swabhiman Yatra” (Self-Respect March) in Rajkot on Sunday if the Swami fails to apologize by Saturday. A meeting of leaders at the Porbandar Jalaram temple has resulted in a plan to submit petitions in villages across the region.

In Babra, the Raghuvanshi community, represented by Rishi Pramodbhai Rupareliya, President of the Raghuvir Sena, has filed a written complaint with the Amreli Police Inspector against Gyanprakash Swami of the Amroli Swaminarayan temple in Surat. The complaint alleges that the Swami’s remarks about Saint Shiromani Param Pujya Jalaram Bapa were insulting and hurt the religious sentiments of the entire Lohana community, Jalaram Bapa’s family, and his followers.

The complaint accuses the Swami of making false and misleading statements that threaten the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India, and could disrupt public peace. The community has demanded that a formal police complaint be registered against Gyanprakash Swami for his derogatory comments.