The statement of Lalan Paswan, Member of Parliament of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from the Indian state of Bihar, regarding Hindu deities has created a new controversy, while there have been protests against him in some areas.
According to Indian NDTV, Member of Assembly Lalan Paswan has raised questions on the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Diwali.
In a video shared on social media, Lalan Paswan can be heard saying that if wealth is obtained by worshiping Lakshmi, how come there are billionaires among Muslims who do not even worship Lakshmi Devi. Isn't he rich?
An effigy of Lalan Paswan has also been burnt during the protests in the state of Bihar.
Referring to the Indian Administrative Service and the Indian Police Service, Lalan Paswan said in his statement that Muslims do not become IAS or IPS.
He also said that the concept of Atma and Paratma is only a part of people's belief.
According to Lalan Paswan, "If you believe, then there is a goddess; if you don't, then she is just a stone idol." It is up to us whether we believe in gods or not. We need to think scientifically to arrive at acceptable results.
According to him, 'If you give up belief in (Goddess, Gods), your intellectual capacity will increase.'
He also said that it is believed that the Bajrang cat is the god of power and gives strength, but Muslims and Christians do not worship the Bajrang cat, is it not powerful?
"The day you stop believing, all these things will disappear."
