New Delhi, August 23, 2025 – In a digital storm that’s captured the attention of thousands, the hashtag #चित्राअग्रवालमाफी_मांगो (translated as #ChitraAgarwalApologize) has exploded on X (formerly Twitter), becoming one of the platform’s top trending topics in India. The controversy centers around prominent ABP News journalist Chitra Tripathi, often referred to online as Chitra Agarwal, who is facing widespread backlash for allegedly disrespecting revered spiritual leaders during her broadcasts. Supporters of saints like Aniruddhacharya and Premānand Ji Maharaj have mobilized en masse, accusing her of crossing a line between journalism and insult, and demanding a public apology.
The spark appears to have ignited from recent episodes of Tripathi’s show on ABP News, where discussions on sensitive topics like live-in relationships and societal norms turned heated. In one viral clip circulating on X, Tripathi is seen challenging spiritual figures, with critics claiming she labeled them as “besharm baba” (shameless baba) or used derogatory terms. This has resonated deeply with a segment of users who view it as an attack on Sanatan Dharma and its custodians. “Our sadhu-sants are being called besharm baba by Chitra Agarwal; she must apologize now. Sanatanis won’t tolerate this,” posted one user, echoing the sentiment shared across hundreds of posts.
#चित्रा_अग्रवाल_माफी_मांगो
— Spiritual B0Y (@Spiritual_B0Y) August 23, 2025
ये वही चित्रा त्रिपाठी है जब हाथरस में तीन निर्दोष राजपूत को झुठे SC/ST एक्ट में फसाया जा रहा था तब इन्होने बिना किसी जाँच का इंतजार किये बिना बलात्कार, जीभ काटने, रीढ की हड्डी तोड़ने जैसी तमाम फ़र्जी खबर चलाकर तीन निर्दोष बच्चों को फंसाने का भरपूर… pic.twitter.com/S7j6qFnoak
Aniruddhacharya, a popular spiritual storyteller known for his discourses on Hindu epics, has become the focal point of the defense. In a widely shared video response, he humorously yet pointedly addresses the criticism, saying Tripathi “forgot she’s dealing with a baba this time, not the opposition.” His followers have amplified this, with memes and calls for accountability flooding the platform. One post creatively likened modern controversies to Ramayana elements: “Raavan = Amit Shah’s son, Vimaan = Lamborghini, Aurat = Modern woman,” tying it back to the demand for apology. Another user questioned, “What did Aniruddhacharya and Premānand Ji say wrong? Why is Chitra Agarwal so personally offended by calls against characterlessness?”
Tripathi hasn’t stayed silent amid the uproar. In a post that garnered over 2,800 likes, she claimed that ₹50 lakh had been spent to orchestrate a trolling campaign against her. “To those who got this money, congratulations. It feels good knowing people are earning off my name. And yes, I’ll keep exposing through news,” she wrote defiantly. This response only fueled the fire, with replies accusing her of evading the core issue. “Funding came to you, and you’ve been targeting saints for a month to defame them. Why does it burn only you when saints speak against prostitution? Are you the only woman in this country?” retorted one critic.
The trend has also taken a personal turn, with some users dredging up Tripathi’s reported divorce to mock her stance on relationships. “This same Chitra Agarwal thanks Modi govt for ending triple talaq on one hand, but takes divorce herself on the other. Such women get offended by saints’ words,” alleged a post with a photo attachment. Others have turned it into a meme fest, with calls like “1 like = 1 shoe, 1 retweet = 10 shoes” aimed at her. Even unrelated topics, like National Space Day or animal welfare, have been hijacked with the hashtag to boost visibility.
What makes this trend unique is its blend of religious fervor, media critique, and social commentary. Unlike typical celebrity spats, this pits a high-profile journalist against a grassroots movement of devotees who see her words as an assault on cultural values. “Kane ko kana kaho, kana jayega rooth (Call a one-eyed person one-eyed, and they’ll get offended),” quipped one user, defending the saints’ straightforward advice. Analysts on X suggest the backlash stems from growing frustration with perceived liberal media bias against traditional Hindu voices.
As of now, the hashtag has amassed thousands of posts, with engagement metrics soaring—some threads boasting hundreds of retweets and views in the tens of thousands. Protests have even spilled offline, with reports of supporters taking to the streets in Aniruddhacharya’s defense. Whether Tripathi issues an apology remains to be seen, but this episode highlights the power of X in shaping public discourse, where a single debate can ignite a nationwide callout culture.
ABP News has not officially commented on the controversy, but Tripathi’s show continues to air, promising more “exposures.” For now, the digital battlefield rages on, with #चित्राअग्रवालमाफी_मांगो showing no signs of fading.