'Ganja Consumed As Prasad': Samajwadi Party MP Afzal Ansari Calls For Legalising Cannabis, Case Filed

New Delhi: Samajwadi Party MP Afzal Ansari sparked a massive row after he called for legalising ganja and claimed that large amounts of ganja was consumed at the Kumbh Mela. His remarks caused massive uproar with saints demanding strict action against him.An FIR was registered against him over his alleged remarks that large amounts of ganja was consumed at the Kumbh Mela, police said on Sunday. The MP, brother of late mafia Don Mukhtar Ansari, made the controversial statement on September 27.While speaking to reporters recently, the Ghazipur MP is also alleged to have said that even if an entire goods train is filled with ganja, it would be insufficient for the Kumbh Mela.He suggested legalising ganja by giving it legal status, questioning, “Why make such a mockery of the law? Lakhs and crores of people smoke ganja openly. They also smoke ganja in large gatherings.“People smoke ganja at big religious events, calling it God’s prasad. If it is God’s prasad, why is it illegal? Why this dual policy? If it is considered God’s offering and God’s herb, then recognise it in law. It’s illegal under the law, but consuming alcohol is exempted from law. The same situation exists in Ghazipur district as well,” he remarked.“We are saying that if it is considered herb and prasad of Lord Shankar, then why is cannabis portrayed in a distorted manner in society? You need a licence for cannabis, but there is no licence for ganja. This is illegal. Many sages, saints, and people from religious community smoke ganja with great fondness, claiming that it also increases appetite,” the MP said.

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Several Hindu saints and organisations have objected to Mr Ansari's remarks and demanded action against him.In a subsequent statement, however, Ansari said that his remark was aimed at drawing attention towards 'ganja' smuggling and the drug problem in his area. He also offered his unconditional apology if his statement hurt someone, the SP leader said.Ghazipur SHO Deendayal Pandey said the FIR against him was registered at Ghazipur police station under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 353(3) (statement inciting public mischief) by Gora Bazar police outpost in-charge Rajkumar Shukla. (With PTI inputs)