Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday launched a sharp attack on Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his recent remarks on Manusmriti, questioning his criticism of India’s traditions and cultural heritage.
Speaking at an event in Rae Bareli to mark the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Rana Beni Madhav Bakhsh Singh, Yogi said the country may have limited expectations from Rahul Gandhi personally, but expects greater accountability from him in his constitutional role as Leader of the Opposition.
Yogi was responding to Rahul Gandhi’s recent comments in Maharashtra, where the Congress leader had called for women to break free from what he described as the “shackles of Manusmriti”.
“Recently, I was also reading a statement by Rahul Gandhi, the MP from Raebareli. He made a statement in Maharashtra, saying that women should break free from the shackles of Manusmriti and come out. As Rahul Gandhi, the country does not have many expectations of you. But as the Leader of the Opposition in the Parliament of India, the country expects you to be accountable to democracy. Do you consider it your birthright to criticise India’s traditions and heritage?” Yogi said.
“You Malign India When You Go Abroad”: Yogi
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister further accused Rahul Gandhi of repeatedly criticising India’s cultural traditions on international platforms.
“You took an oath to uphold the Constitution of India, yet you seem to consider it your birthright to disparage India’s traditions and heritage. When you travel outside Uttar Pradesh, you malign and insult the state; when you go abroad, you insult India itself,” he said.
Yogi also accused Rahul Gandhi and the Congress of making statements that, according to him, encourage forces opposed to the country.
“In the nation’s fight against terrorism, you directly or indirectly encourage anti-national elements,” the Chief Minister alleged.
He also brought up the Congress party’s position on the Ram temple issue in Ayodhya and referred to the Emergency imposed in 1975 while questioning the party’s commitment to democratic values.
“Your party questions the very existence of Lord Shri Ram in Ayodhya. As for your commitment to democracy, the country witnessed the dark shadow of the Emergency in 1975,” Yogi said.
Yogi Challenges Rahul Gandhi On Manusmriti
Yogi also responded to Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of Manu and Manusmriti by referring to ancient Indian texts.
“You make comments regarding Manu, Ram, or India’s heritage. If you wish to understand Manu, read the Atharvaveda, the Shatapatha Brahmana and the Matsya Purana; you will find all the information there,” he said.
The remarks add to the ongoing political debate between the BJP and Congress over India’s history, social traditions, constitutional values and the interpretation of ancient texts.
“You Ask For Proof From Soldiers”: Yogi Attacks Congress
Yogi also targeted Rahul Gandhi and the Congress over their approach to national security.
He alleged that when Indian soldiers confront enemies along the country’s borders, Congress leaders have questioned the evidence behind military operations.
The Chief Minister’s comments come amid a broader political battle between the BJP and Congress over issues ranging from nationalism and national security to India’s cultural and religious heritage.
Yogi Inaugurates Rs 50 Crore Auditorium In Rae Bareli
During his visit to Rae Bareli, Yogi Adityanath inaugurated an auditorium named after freedom fighter Rana Beni Madhav Bakhsh Singh.
The facility was constructed at an estimated cost of around Rs 50 crore.
The Chief Minister also released a souvenir and issued a postage stamp commemorating the freedom fighter. Describing the occasion as significant for Rae Bareli, Yogi said the district was witnessing a historic day.
The event combined a tribute to a prominent figure from India’s freedom struggle with the Chief Minister’s political criticism of Rahul Gandhi over his recent comments on Manusmriti and India’s cultural traditions.
