'Altered' Version Of 'Raghupati Raghav' Overshadows A B Vajpayee Birth Anniversary Event In Patna

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ashwini Choubey organised a programme recently on the birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Acclaimed Bhojpuri singer Devi was there. One of the songs she sang was ‘Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram, Patit Pavan Sita Ram.’

The popularity of the song is attributed to Mahatma Gandhi. The song is often heard at events related to Gandhi and other political leaders. In the post-independence era, it has been featured in multiple movies too — from Jitendra-starrer Naya Raasta to Shahrukh Khan-led Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.

The second line of the version of the song associated with Gandhi, and sung by Devi, goes: 'Ishwar Allah Tero Naam, Sabko Sanmati De Bhagwan.'

This part is said to align with the politically correct notions of Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb (culture) — loosely translated as the 'mutually respectful coexistence of Hindus and Muslims in the country.'

In recent years, claims have been made that the second line of the song was not part of the original lyrics. Gandhi is alleged to have added it himself and then made it popular.

There are different theories about the original song, but the popular belief is that Pandit Laxmanacharya wrote the song originally with the lyrics:

"Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram,

Patit Pavan Sita Ram.

Sundar Vigrah Meghashyam,

Ganga, Tulsi, Shaligram."

Back to the Patna event: The crowd assembled at the occasion did not like the version sung by Devi. As soon as she sang it, people started protesting and leaving the hall. At the end of the song, BJP leaders asked Devi to apologise to the gathering. She did, but it did not help, as people continued to leave the place.

Choubey himself jumped in and chanted ‘Jai Shri Ram’ to calm things down.

There could be multiple reasons for this spontaneous protest. It could be about people wishing to listen to the 'original' version. But it is entirely possible that the audience treats the Gandhi version as an attempt to force-fit Islamic motifs in the name of secularism.

Meanwhile, opposition leaders are connecting this issue to the 'intolerance' narrative.

Tejashwi Yadav said Gandhi and Mother Sita are being disrespected under Nitish Kumar's rule. Tejashwi's father, Lalu Yadav, who was convicted in the fodder scam, said Devi was asked to apologise because she took the name ‘Siyaram.’

“These people are anti-women from the very beginning, and with the slogan of ‘Jai Shri Ram,’ they insult half of the population — women,” wrote Lalu on social platform X.

Congress leaders also toed a similar line.

This issue comes at a time when the BJP and Chief Minister Kumar are embroiled in an intra-alliance power tussle. Choubey has been vocal about not putting up Kumar as the chief ministerial candidate in the 2025 Bihar Assembly election.