By Anil Merani: Elvish Yadav’s public criticism of Karan Veer Mehra’s poem on Hindu-Muslim unity, following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, has indeed sparked concerns about furthering sectarianism during a sensitive time. The attack, which killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists, heightened national tensions, with India suspending trade with Pakistan and escalating diplomatic measures. In this context, Mehra’s poem, written by Ashutosh Rana, aimed to condemn terrorism and promote humanity over religious divisions, as evidenced by his emotional recitation shared on X with a broken-heart emoji. Yadav’s response, mocking Mehra with the comment, “Pakistan se vote aaye the kya bhai?” (Did you get votes from Pakistan?), was perceived by many as inflammatory, trivializing a message of peace and stoking communal divides. This incident underscores the urgent need for dialogue over division, especially during heightened communal tensions.
Yadav’s remark, posted on X on April 24, 2025, aligns with his public persona as a self-proclaimed Sanatani and nationalist, which often emphasizes Hindu identity. Critics, including Mehra’s fans and X users, argue that his comment undermines efforts to bridge communal divides at a time when unity is crucial. For instance, an X post by
@SMon2574 on April 24, 2025, praised Mehra’s fans for countering Yadav’s “insensitive poking,” stating, “If you feel the opposite of secularism is revenge, you are no less than a terrorist.” Another user,
@Jess41053210, accused Yadav of exploiting religious sentiments for personal gain, calling him a “shameless admi” who “only earned money in the name of religion.” These sentiments reflect a broader concern that Yadav’s actions prioritize personal clout over national interest, especially given his history of controversies, such as derogatory remarks against Chum Darang, which led to a National Commission for Women summons in February 2025.
However, Yadav’s supporters argue he was reacting to what they see as Mehra’s performative or misguided gesture, particularly in the wake of a terror attack linked to Pakistan. They align with Yadav’s nationalist stance, viewing his comment as a critique of perceived appeasement. This polarization, evident in the social media clash between the two celebrities’ fanbases, mirrors India’s broader communal tensions, with hate speech against minorities, especially Muslims, reportedly up 74% in 2024. The timing of Yadav’s remark, amid heightened anti-Pakistan sentiment and government actions like suspending the Indus Water Treaty, risks amplifying divisive narratives when national cohesion is vital.
While Yadav’s intent may not have been to incite sectarianism, his influence as a social media figure with millions of followers amplifies the impact of his words. The Pahalgam attack demanded a unified response, and Mehra’s poem, though artistic, sought to humanize the tragedy. Yadav’s mockery, by contrast, shifted focus to communal undertones, potentially deepening mistrust. This incident underscores the responsibility of influencers to prioritize dialogue over division, especially during crises. It’s a sobering reminder of how personal rivalries—possibly fueled by their Bigg Boss history—can overshadow national interest and the potential harm of such divisive rhetoric.
