Hindu spiritual leader tells Indian army chief to win Azad Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi met his spiritual leader, Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, at an ashram in Chitrakoot district of Madhya Pradesh, a visit that has sparked debate on social media after photos from the meeting surfaced online.

This is reportedly the first time an Indian Army chief has made a religious visit in uniform, raising concerns among critics about the growing religious influence within state institutions under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.

The viral images triggered a flurry of opinions, with some social media users expressing concern over the perceived blurring of lines between religion and state, as India claims to be a secular democracy.

Meanwhile, far-right Hindus voiced support for the Army Chief’s visit to the religious leader.

As of now, neither the Indian Army nor any government authority has issued an official statement on the matter.

However, on Thursday, Jagadguru Rambhadracharya addressed the media and confirmed that General Dwivedi attended one of his events and held a conversation with him.

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"I gave him the same Diksha (initiation) with the Ram Mantra which Lord Hanuman had received from Maa Sita and then conquered Lanka. I have asked for Dakshina from him, that I want PoK back."

In Hindu tradition, Guru Dakshina refers to the offering or fee presented by a disciple to their guru as a token of gratitude.

The development comes amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and India.

The meeting and its symbolism have become a hot topic of discussion online, with many questioning the appropriateness of a serving military chief engaging in religious activities while in uniform.