Government withdraws advertisement mocking Hindu sadhus and saints !

Hindu Janajagruti Samiti demands strict action against those responsible !

Objectionable advertisement circulated on social media. (Disclaimer : This is published solely to illustrate how mockery was carried out, not to hurt anyone’s religious sentiments. – Editor)

Mumbai, February 26th – A controversial advertisement of the Social Justice Department, carrying the message “Trust your own merit, not fraud,” and insulting Hindu Dharma through a caricature of a sadhu-saint, has triggered widespread anger across the state. Hindu Janajagruti Samiti’s Mumbai representative, Shri. Satish Sonar, met Social Justice Minister Shri. Sanjay Shirsat and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the advertisement along with strict action against those responsible.

Hindu Janajagruti Samiti’s Mr Satish Sonar submitting a memorandum to Social Justice Minister Hon. Sanjay Shirsat.

During the meeting, the minister stated, “The advertisement was withdrawn last night itself. It was not issued by our department. It was published by the Information and Public Relations Department.”

The advertisement, published in the name of the Maharashtra Government’s Social Justice and Special Assistance Department, depicted a mocking caricature of a sadhu using symbols such as matted hair, tilak, rudraksha beads, a skull, and lemon–chilli charms. Along with this, the slogan “Reject fraud, embrace education” was used, deliberately targeting Hindu Dharma.

Government forced to withdraw an advertisement mocking Hindu Saints after massive outrage. 🚩@HinduJagrutiOrg demands strict action against the culprits

On one side, Maharashtra prepares to showcase the glory of Hindu Dharma at the Nashik Simhastha Kumbh Mela 🌊🕉️ on the… pic.twitter.com/OqXRZjMiIM

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) February 26, 2026

Strong opposition from Hindutva-oriented organisations !

Various Hindutva-aligned organisations have expressed that this portrayal is an insulting representation of the revered tradition of Hindu sadhus, saints, and rishis. Hindu Janajagruti Samiti’s State Coordinator, Mr Sunil Ghanwat, has submitted a written complaint to the government, demanding strict action against those responsible.

Editorial perspectives

• On one hand, Maharashtra is planning to showcase the importance of Hindu Dharma to the world through the Nashik Simhastha Kumbh Parva, while on the other hand, sadhus who will participate in this very Kumbha are being subjected to such vulgar mockery. This is shameful for Hindus in Maharashtra !

• Why is it that in the name of ‘progressivism’, symbols of Hindu Dharma are repeatedly mocked ? Why does the administration not show the same courage to comment on superstitions in other religions ? Merely withdrawing the advertisement is not enough. Legal action must be taken against the responsible officials who hurt Hindu sentiments. To prevent such incidents in the future, an independent committee for prior scrutiny of advertisements is necessary !

• The government must disclose the names of those responsible and clearly state what action will be taken against them, during the ongoing legislative session itself. Dharma-loving Hindus must firmly demand this !