During a Shrimad Bhagwat Katha organised by Shri Ankush Ji Maharaj, far-right monk Madhuram Sharan Shiva, leader of the armed monks’ group Shiva Shakti Akhada, framed Muslims as a growing political threat, alleging that despite Hindus being the majority, village leadership is in Muslim hands. He warned that those who follow religious texts but do not keep weapons cannot protect their faith, claiming Hindu scriptures and temples are under threat, and alleging a broader conspiracy to “destroy and corrupt” Hindus both in India and globally. He further claimed that Hindus are being “persecuted” through various forms of “jihad,” and alleged it is widespread due to conversions, looting and coercion. He called for 25% of funds spent on religious events to be allocated toward weapons, and urged young men aged 18–30 to learn to use arms, including swords. He advocated for public displays of weaponry and courage, asserting that only an armed society can protect its land and religion. He warned that without such