Sakshi Maharaj, whose full name is Swami Sachchidanand Hari Sakshi Maharaj, is a prominent Indian politician and religious leader. He is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and has served as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India’s Parliament, multiple times. Here are some in-depth details about his life, career, and beliefs:
Early Life and Education
- Birth Name: Swami Sachchidanand Hari Sakshi
- Date of Birth: January 12, 1956
- Place of Birth: Sakshi Maharaj was born in the village of Kasganj in the Etah district of Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Family Background: He comes from a Hindu family and is a follower of the Nath sect, a Shaivaite (devotee of Lord Shiva) tradition. He was spiritually inclined from a young age.
- Education: Sakshi Maharaj pursued higher education and holds degrees in Sanskrit. He also has a Ph.D. in Vedanta, reflecting his scholarly inclination toward Hindu philosophy and scriptures.
Spiritual Journey
- Religious Affiliation: Sakshi Maharaj is a Hindu ascetic, specifically aligned with the Nath tradition. He is known to be a follower of the renowned Hindu leader Baba Jai Gurudev.
- Ascetic Title: “Maharaj” is a title used in India for ascetics, which he adopted after becoming a disciple of Baba Jai Gurudev. His name “Sakshi” denotes “witness,” and he often refers to himself as a “sakshi” or witness to truth.
Political Career
- Entry into Politics: Sakshi Maharaj entered politics in the early 1990s. He initially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) from Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh, in 1991.
- Shifting Political Affiliations: Over the years, he switched political affiliations multiple times, aligning with the Samajwadi Party and later the Bahujan Samaj Party, before rejoining the BJP. His political journey is marked by his strong ideological stance and his vocal support for Hindutva (Hindu nationalist) ideology.
- Member of Parliament: Sakshi Maharaj has represented multiple constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. He won the Lok Sabha elections in 1991, 1998, 2014, and 2019. His most recent constituency is Unnao, Uttar Pradesh.
- Positions Held: Throughout his political career, Sakshi Maharaj has served on various parliamentary committees and has been actively involved in debates, particularly on matters related to religion, culture, and national security.
Controversies
Sakshi Maharaj is known for his controversial remarks and outspoken nature, often drawing attention for his statements on social, political, and religious issues:
- Religious and Political Statements: He has made several statements that have attracted both support and criticism, particularly from secular and liberal groups. These include remarks about population control, conversion laws, and support for building a Ram temple in Ayodhya.
- Legal Issues: He has faced legal cases on various charges, including hate speech, but has not been convicted of any major crime. His critics accuse him of promoting communal tension through his speeches, but his supporters argue that he is exercising his right to free speech.
Ideology and Beliefs
- Hindutva Proponent: Sakshi Maharaj is a strong advocate of Hindutva, which emphasizes the promotion and protection of Hindu culture and religion. He is vocal about his support for the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and other issues concerning Hindu society.
- Social Reforms: He has spoken in favor of issues like cow protection and has opposed conversions to other religions from Hinduism. He is also a supporter of Uniform Civil Code and has expressed his views on issues such as population control and religious freedom.
Personal Life
- Celibacy and Asceticism: As a Hindu monk, Sakshi Maharaj is a celibate and follows a disciplined lifestyle in line with his ascetic vows. He wears saffron robes, a symbol of renunciation in Hindu tradition.
- Philanthropy and Social Work: Apart from his political and religious activities, Sakshi Maharaj has been involved in various social initiatives, particularly in the field of education. He has established several educational institutions and trusts to promote education among the underprivileged.
Public Image
- Support Base: Sakshi Maharaj enjoys a significant following among certain sections of the Hindu community, especially those who align with his ideology. He is considered a charismatic and effective orator who uses his platform to promote his religious and political beliefs.
- Criticism: At the same time, he is a polarizing figure and faces criticism from those who view his statements and actions as divisive or inflammatory. His approach often leads to debates about the balance between free speech and hate speech in a democratic society.
Recent Developments
- Current Role: As of the most recent elections, Sakshi Maharaj continues to serve as a Member of Parliament, representing the Unnao constituency in Uttar Pradesh. He remains an active participant in political debates and a vocal supporter of the ruling BJP’s policies.