On April 2, 2025, Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, the charismatic head of Bageshwar Dham in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district, laid the foundation stone for what he claims will be India’s first Hindu-only village. Located near the sprawling Bageshwar Dham temple complex, this ambitious project aims to house 1,000 Hindu families in a community explicitly designed to exclude Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, and followers of other faiths. Shastri, a polarizing figure known for his fiery Hindutva rhetoric, has declared this village a stepping stone toward his dream of a Hindu Rashtra (Hindu nation). But as news of this development spreads, it’s igniting a fierce debate: Is this a bold cultural assertion or a dangerous precedent for a secular nation?
The Vision Behind the Village
Shastri’s announcement came during a grand ceremony attended by thousands of devotees and notable figures, including Delhi BJP MP Manoj Tiwari. The village, planned within the Bageshwar Dham premises, will operate under strict guidelines: only those adhering to Sanatan Dharma—traditional Hinduism—will be permitted to reside or even enter. “The dream of a Hindu nation begins with Hindu homes and villages,” Shastri proclaimed, emphasizing that the project reflects his long-standing call to preserve and promote Hindu identity. The Bageshwar Dham Janseva Committee will allocate land to devout Hindu families, with buildings provided under agreements that prohibit resale or purchase by outsiders.
बागेश्वर धाम के धीरेंद्र कृष्ण शास्त्री ने देश के पहले हिंदू गांव की नींव रख दी है. जहां सिर्फ़ हिंदू ही रहे गे ॥ इस गांव मे मुस्लिम सिख ईसाई धर्म के लोगो का आना मना है॥ और ये गांव सांविधान से नहीं इस गाँवँ को मनुस्मृति से चलाया जायेगा॥
— Nidhi Singh Rathore (@NehasinghRath__) April 4, 2025
देश को बंटने की नीव रखी जा चुकी ॥ मोदी… pic.twitter.com/LqAs5aG2VJ
The spiritual leader framed the initiative as a response to what he sees as the erosion of Hindu values in a rapidly modernizing India. “Where Sanatan values are absent, generations spoil,” he said, promising to appoint Hindu leaders in every village panchayat to ensure cultural continuity. While specifics remain sparse, Shastri’s vision includes a self-contained community rooted in traditional practices—a stark contrast to India’s constitutional framework.
Manusmriti Over Constitution?
Perhaps the most contentious claim swirling around this project is that the village will be governed not by India’s Constitution but by the Manusmriti, an ancient Hindu legal text. Social media posts on X and statements from critics assert that Shastri intends to replace secular law with this scripture, which has long been criticized for its caste-based hierarchy and patriarchal norms. However, as of April 4, 2025, no official confirmation from Shastri or his team substantiates this. News reports covering the foundation ceremony mention the exclusionary policy but lack evidence of a formal Manusmriti-based governance plan, suggesting this may be an exaggeration or misinterpretation fueled by online fervor.
Modi’s Shadow and Political Undercurrents
The timing of this project, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, has not gone unnoticed. Critics on X and opposition leaders have linked it to Modi’s BJP, which has long been accused of promoting a Hindu-first agenda. “The foundation for dividing the country has been laid—Modi makes it possible,” tweeted a Congress Sevadal account, reflecting a sentiment that this village is a BJP-backed experiment in communal segregation. Modi’s February 2025 visit to Bageshwar Dham, where he laid the foundation for a cancer hospital and praised Shastri as his “younger brother,” adds fuel to the narrative of tacit governmental support.
Yet, BJP voices like Manoj Tiwari have pushed back. “This isn’t about division—it’s about preserving Sanatan values,” Tiwari said at the ceremony, denying anti-Muslim intent and citing Shastri’s personal ties with Muslim friends. Whether the government will intervene—or quietly endorse—remains unclear, but the project’s alignment with Hindutva rhetoric keeps the political pot boiling.
A Nation Divided: Reactions Pour In
Public response is sharply polarized. Supporters hail it as a “bold step” to protect Hindu culture in a country they feel is increasingly hostile to their traditions. “This isn’t just a village; it’s a cultural declaration,” one X user posted, echoing Shastri’s call for Hindu unity. Devotees see it as an extension of his “Ghar Wapsi” (reconversion) campaigns, which have drawn both praise and ire since 2022.
Critics, however, view it as a direct assault on India’s pluralistic fabric. Congress leader Danish Ali called it “hateful rhetoric” from a figure cozying up to power, while legal experts question its viability. “Restricting entry based on religion violates the Constitution’s right to equality and freedom of movement,” said a Delhi-based lawyer, speaking anonymously. If completed, the village could face court challenges—or spark copycat efforts elsewhere.
What Lies Ahead?
Set to be completed within two years, the Hindu village is already a lightning rod. Its success depends on funding (spearheaded by the Bageshwar Dham committee), local support, and navigating India’s legal minefield. Shastri’s influence—bolstered by millions of followers and high-profile endorsements—suggests it won’t fade quietly. But the bigger question looms: Could this be the first domino in a push to redefine India’s identity?
As of now, the Manusmriti claim remains unverified, and the village’s practical rollout is in its infancy. Yet, its symbolic weight is undeniable. For some, it’s a beacon of Hindu pride; for others, a fracture in a nation built on unity in diversity. As Shastri presses forward, India watches—bracing for a clash of visions that could echo far beyond Chhatarpur.
