Campaign against ‘Gym Jihad’ launched by VHP and Bajrang Dal in Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh)

Collective recitation of Hanuman Chalisa held inside gyms

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) – Following a recent case of ‘Love Jihad’ at TIT College in Bhopal, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal have launched a campaign against ‘Gym Jihad’. As part of this initiative, Hanuman Chalisa is being collectively recited in gyms across the city, and gym owners are being asked to pledge not to support incidents akin to ‘Love Jihad’. Several gym owners have reportedly extended their support and taken the pledge.

Though the campaign has started in the state capital Bhopal, it is expected to expand to other cities in Madhya Pradesh.

Bajrang Dal said that some Muslim gym trainers are using one-on-one fitness sessions as a pretext to get close to Hindu women and are trapping them in ‘Love Jihad’.

Local police have visited some gyms to inquire into the matter; however, there are no reports of any formal action being taken so far.

Political Reactions:

“Why is such a campaign needed when the BJP is in power?” – Congress questions

Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Law Minister P.C. Sharma criticized the campaign, stating, “The government in Madhya Pradesh is essentially Bajrang Dal’s own – it’s a BJP government. The anti-Love Jihad law was also enacted by this very government. Then what is the need for such a campaign? Bajrang Dal should avoid unnecessary activism and leave law and order enforcement to the authorities.”

“Female trainers must be assigned to female clients in gyms” – MP Alok Sharma

Alok Sharma, BJP MP from Bhopal, said that a list of gym trainers in Bhopal has been prepared and will be submitted to the police. He emphasized that only female trainers should be assigned to train female clients.

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— IANS (@ians_india) June 2, 2025