Swami Prasad Maurya Sparks Controversy: Questions Practicality of Lakshmi Worship Amid India's Poverty Crisis

Oct 22, 2025 02:43 pm CST

Rashtriya Shoshit Samaj Party president Swami Prasad Maurya has created controversy by questioning the effectiveness of worshipping Goddess Lakshmi for wealth when 80 crore Indians rely on subsidized food. He suggests honoring household women as "Ghar ki Lakshmi" instead, while clarifying he respects religious traditions. His comments highlight tensions between traditional religious practices and pragmatic approaches to India's economic challenges during the Diwali festival season.