New Delhi: Samajwadi Party MP Afzal Ansari has stirred fresh controversy with his remarks on the consumption of ganja (cannabis) during religious events like the Kumbh Mela. While addressing the media on September 26, Ansari stated that while ganja is legally banned, there is a leniency towards its consumption. He further claimed that if a goods train loaded with ganja were sent to the Kumbh, it would all be consumed, highlighting the high demand among sadhus and saints.Call for legalization of ganjaThe Ghazipur MPs comments have sparked debate as he questioned the contradiction between ganjas illegal status and its widespread use. “Millions of people openly smoke ganja, some even calling it Gods prasad or herb. If its truly Gods herb, why is it illegal” Ansari remarked. He went on to demand that the government legalize ganja by amending existing laws, arguing against the double standards on the issue.यूपी:गाजीपुर सांसद अफजाल अंसारी ने महाकुंभ को लेकर विवादित बयान दिया !!अफजाल गांजा को भी सरकार को वैध कर देना चाहिये, क्योंकि बहुत से लोग गांजा पीते हैं- अफजाल अंसारी !!अफजाल अंसारी ने कहा की मठों में गांजा पीते हैं, कुंभ में 1 मालगाड़ी गांजा भेजा जाए तो समाप्त हो जायेगा !!… pic.twitter.com/20oM44TFRi— MANOJ SHARMA LUCKNOW UP🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳 (@ManojSh28986262) September 26, 2024Kumbh and ganja consumptionAnsari pointed to the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, claiming that preparations for the event have begun. He provocatively suggested that if a train filled with ganja were sent there, it would all be consumed, mainly by sadhus, saints, and various members of society who passionately use the herb. “If anyone doubts this, they should visit the monasteries in Ghazipur or even in Lucknow,” he said, emphasizing the widespread use of ganja in these areas.Targeting government over liquor shopsDuring his interaction with the media, Ansari also criticized the government, particularly Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, over the expansion of liquor shops. “Tell CM Yogi to close the new liquor shop thats been opened on the Bihar border. In which religion is the expansion of liquor shops allowed” Ansari questioned, taking a dig at the states alcohol policies.Remarks on Tirupati Balajis prasad controversyAfzal Ansari didnt limit his statements to ganja he also addressed the recent controversy surrounding the prasad (holy offering) at the Tirupati Balaji temple. He claimed that the uproar over animal fat allegedly being found in the laddu prasad was fabricated. According to Ansari, the controversy was created to help a Gujarat-based company secure the prasad contract for the temple.“Ive personally eaten Tirupati Balajis laddu. This whole controversy was a conspiracy to create unrest in the country,” Ansari added. He questioned the logic behind the claims, stating, “If milk comes from animals, how can animal fat not be present in a test What else would they find”
