Anta: An emotionally charged moment from the Anta Assembly by-election has triggered a nationwide conversation on faith and politics. Independent candidate Naresh Meena, who contested fiercely but eventually lost, became the center of social media attention after a video surfaced showing him removing the sacred threads tied to his wrist in a public place.
The incident took place shortly after the vote-counting process concluded on Thursday. Meena, reportedly disheartened by the results, stopped his vehicle at a major intersection in Anta. In a video now widely circulating online, the candidate climbs atop the roof of his SUV, looks on silently, and begins removing the red and yellow religious threads tied around his wrists, threads traditionally associated with blessings, victory, and divine support.
The video instantly went viral across platforms like X, Instagram, and Facebook, garnering millions of views within hours. Online users reacted with shock, sympathy, and debate. Some questioned whether the incident symbolized a loss of faith in God, while others saw it as a moment of deep human vulnerability.
One user wrote, “Naresh ji, did you lose faith in God after losing the election?” Another commented, “This defeat is not the end. You have just begun your journey.” A third added, “Politics is tough, but belief should not waiver. Stand tall, Meena ji.”
