Uttar Pradesh: Yogi Targets Rahul Over Manusmriti Remarks
Why do you want to ruin the future of India’s present generation at the hands of urban Naxals?: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath
NEW DELHI: The BJP continued its attack on Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over his criticism of the “Manusmriti mindset”, with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accusing him of denigrating India’s traditions and heritage.
Adityanath also targeted Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai over allegations that fish was cooked at a Nishad community event in Ayodhya during the holy month of Sawan. The Congress defended the community’s dietary choices as a constitutional right and challenged the Chief Minister to prove that Rai had eaten fish.
Addressing students in Pune recently, Gandhi had urged them to “smash patriarchy” and break free from the “Manusmriti mindset”.
Responding to the remarks, Adityanath said: “You comment on Manu, Ram or India’s heritage. If you want to know about Manu, read the Atharvaveda, Shatapatha Brahmana and Matsya Purana. You will get all the information.”
He questioned why Gandhi wanted to lead India’s younger generation towards a situation in which their parents might later feel ashamed.
The Chief Minister said the country expected Gandhi, as Leader of the Opposition, to play a positive role, but alleged that he had distanced himself from his responsibilities.
“Why do you want to ruin the future of India’s present generation at the hands of urban Naxals? Why do you want to destroy India’s heritage?” he asked.
A separate controversy erupted over a purported video showing fish being cooked at a Nishad community programme in Ayodhya attended by Rai and other Congress leaders. The event was part of the party’s outreach to the community ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
The BJP objected to the feast on the grounds that it was held in Ayodhya, where non-vegetarian food is prohibited within a 15-km radius of the Ram temple, and during Sawan, when many devotees abstain from meat.
Rai had visited the Hanumangarhi and Ram temples before travelling to Tarun, about 30 km away, for the Nishad community meeting.
Speaking in Raebareli, Adityanath accused Rai of visiting temples and then participating in a fish feast.
“There is a limit to shamelessness. Who asked you to go to the temple? You could have eaten whatever you wanted outside Ayodhya,” he said.
UP BJP president Pankaj Chaudhary alleged in a post on X that insulting Sanatan had become the Congress’ identity. He demanded that the party apologise to Ayodhya’s religious leaders and the country.
Rai challenged the Chief Minister to produce photographic or video evidence showing that he had consumed fish or was present where it was cooked.
He said he would apologise and resign as UP Congress president if the allegation was proved. If no evidence existed, Adityanath should resign as Chief Minister, he added.
