# BJP MLA calls Sita ‘maut ka samaan’, sparks row 2026-08-19T11:21:36+00:00 | Politics | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 2 independent outlets BJP MLA Panna Lal Shakya from Guna, Madhya Pradesh, has sparked controversy by referring to Goddess Sita as 'maut ka samaan' (material for death) and stating that only men died in the wars described in the Ramayana and Mahabharata, while no women were killed. He made the remarks on Tuesday at the Balram Krishi Mahotsav in Guna district. Fellow BJP MLA Priyanka Meena Penchi objected from the same stage, telling Shakya his statements were wrong. Congress leader Vivek Tripathi and Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar condemned the remarks, with Singhar calling it an insult to religious sentiments and women. Shakya later released a video claiming his statements were misinterpreted. The MLA has a history of controversial statements, including questioning Virat Kohli's patriotism in 2017 and suggesting in 2018 that crimes against women would stop if girls stopped having boyfriends. ## Indian Opinion Analysis The BJP MLA's remarks drew rebuke from his own party colleague, not just the opposition, indicating unease even within the ruling party over his rhetoric. While Shakya framed his comments as historical analysis, critics see a pattern of sexist and provocative statements. The incident puts the BJP in a defensive position, balancing its Hindu identity with modern gender sensitivity. The party's silence so far may be tested as more videos emerge. Watch for: Whether the BJP takes disciplinary action against Shakya or issues a formal clarification. ## Coverage Coverage: 2 sources, 1 neutral, 1 sensationalist - freepressjournal.in (sensationalist) Leads with the shocking quote 'Maut Ka Samaan' and emphasizes Congress objection, framing it as controversy first. - newindianexpress.com (neutral report) Provides detailed chronology, includes MLA's clarification, and lists past controversies without sensationalism. This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above. Tags: BJP, Guna, Madhya Pradesh, Panna Lal Shakya, Sita Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/bjp-mla-calls-sita-maut-ka-samaan-sparks-row/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/bjp-mla-calls-sita-maut-ka-samaan-sparks-row/#story-in-brief How this brief was made: an AI model read the reports linked above and wrote this summary and analysis, which were published automatically. Published briefs are sampled every hour by an automated quality check; the editor verifies its findings and approves corrections, and corrected briefs carry a dated correction line. Stance labels are editorial classifications of how each outlet framed this story, assigned by the same model, not ratings of the outlets. We do no original reporting. Methodology: https://indianopinion.org/ai-use-policy/