Right-wing influencer and YouTuber Ajeet Bharti is under scrutiny after a shocking incident on October 7, when a lawyer attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai. The attack came in response to remarks made by the CJI in a case concerning a Hindu idol.
Bharti, a media personality from Begusarai, Bihar, and his podcast guests allegedly encouraged viewers to target CJI Gavai, citing “Hindu pride,” according to clips from one of his recent YouTube shows. Following the incident, Bharti posted a video on X and other social platforms, mocking the attack and taunting the CJI. He wrote, “Gavai is a lousy, undeserving judge, and he should face a contempt (of court) case.”
In the video, Bharti referenced the attempted attack, stating, “I wanted to make a video about ‘shoes and the Chief Justice’ after seeing his shoes in a photo recently, but could not shoot that one. Well, it seems ‘shoes’ were sticking to him ever since!”
The lawyer involved, 71-year-old Rakesh Kishore, said he acted out of anger over CJI Gavai’s comments in a hearing about restoring a Lord Vishnu idol at Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. Kishore shouted slogans defending Sanatan Dharma before attempting the attack. The Bar Council of India has suspended his license, and he was released after questioning by police.
CJI Gavai maintained calm during the incident and continued proceedings. He had earlier clarified that his remarks were not meant to disrespect any religion and were related to the Archaeological Survey of India’s permission requirements.
Political leaders condemned the act. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the CJI’s composure and condemned the attack, while Congress leader Sonia Gandhi described it as an assault on both the CJI and the Constitution, urging national unity against such acts.
