Reports surfaced on social media regarding the alleged change of religion by Samajwadi Party (SPA) politician Rajkumar Bhati. Following a viral video, a claim emerged that he had left Hinduism and adopted Buddhism. However, Rajkumar Bhati refuted these statements, calling them rumors. He emphasized that he was born into Hinduism and remains a Hindu. Although he respects Buddhism, he does not intend to change his religion nor does he consider it necessary.
Rajkumar Bhati stated on social media that on October 20, he attended an event of the Indian Buddhist Society at Ambedkar Bhavan on Rani Jahansi Road in Delhi. This event was called 'Vishal Dham Diksha Samohar'. During this event, 22 principles of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar were reiterated. Bhati was also present on stage and appeared to take an oath.
These principles include renouncing the recognition of Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh, Rama, and Krishna as gods and refraining from worshipping them. They also contain a provision rejecting the recognition of Hindu deities and refusing to consider Buddha as an incarnation of Vishnu. These principles are linked to Dr. Ambedkar's ordination into Buddhism on October 14, 1956, when he took this vow before his millions of followers.
Rohan Gupta, leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party, criticized Rajkumar Bhati, stating: 'Now everyone clearly sees the true nature of the SPA, which pretends to be Hindus when elections approach! The SPA politician refuses to recognize Lord Vishnu, Mahesh, Shri Rama, and Shri Krishna as gods. Aklesh Yadav, is this the true worldview of the SPA? How long will this dual behavior last—playing the role of Hindus during elections and insulting the Hindu faith otherwise?'
Rajkumar Bhati explained that as a political figure, he participates in events of all religions, castes, and communities. He visits gurdwaras, participates in Muslim community events, and also takes part in yagnas, howans, and worship. The SPA speaker accused the IT department of the Bharatiya Janata Party of spreading rumors about his religious conversion after the event. Bhati stated that he is inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Buddha and respects him. He also noted that service to humanity is possible while adhering to any religion.
Rajkumar Bhati added that he will always stand against inequality, caste segregation, discrimination, and hypocrisy. He urged people not to succumb to disinformation spread on social media. Meanwhile, some Buddhist followers welcomed him on social media based on the video.