'Not theft but message of resistance': Madhya Pradesh plans campaign against 'makhanchor' tag for Lord Krishna

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has said Lord Krishna should not be referred to as ‘Makhanchor’.

According to News18, during an event on Janmashtami, the CM said breaking butter pots was instead a message of resistance.

“There were thousands of cows in Gokul, and butter from there went to Kansa’s house. Krishna told his fellow cowherds: Eat your butter, break the pot, but don’t let it reach our enemy. This was not theft but a message of resistance. Krishna’s story is about love and protest against injustice, not about stealing," he said.

The chief minister’s cultural adviser, Shriram Tiwai, told News18 that the state’s culture department has initiated working on the campaign.

“People will be told that butter-breaking was Krishna’s rebellion against Kansa’s policies. Saints and mahants have also agreed to drop the ‘makhanchor’ tag," Tiwai told News18.

The department will collaborate with storytellers, priests, and religious figures to amplify the Chief Minister’s message through diverse cultural mediums.

The move has drawn strong criticism from the Opposition, with Congress leader Umang Singhar alleging that the government is reshaping mythological stories to gain political benefit.

"The Chief Minister wants to change the leela of Lord Krishna and write his own history. We too believe God did not steal butter, but why doesn't the CM explain how he stole the people's mandate to form his government? Such campaigns are only meant to distract from real issues," he said.

During his childhood, Lord Krishna was also called 'Makhan chor’ (butter thief) as he was always landing in trouble for stealing dahi or butter from others and his own house. During his childhood in Gokul,  Lord Krishna was known for his mischievous nature, and his love for butter, curd, and milk. Stories from Krishna’s childhood, known as ‘Bal Leela’ are filled with examples where he would sneak into the houses of villagers with his friends to steal butter and curd. The villagers would hang these pots from the ceiling to keep them out of his reach, but he would always find a way to get to them.