Yogi Adityanath Attacks Rahul Gandhi Over Manusmriti Remarks, Accuses Him of Insulting India’s Heritage

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a sharp attack on Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his recent remarks on Manusmriti, accusing him of repeatedly denouncing India's traditions, heritage and cultural identity.

Speaking at a programme in Raebareli to mark the 222nd birth anniversary of 1857 revolt leader Rana Beni Madhav Baksh Singh, Adityanath said Rahul Gandhi was accountable to the country in his capacity as the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament.

Yogi Questions Rahul Gandhi's Role as Leader of Opposition

Adityanath said that while people may not have expectations from Rahul Gandhi in his individual capacity, his constitutional position as the Leader of the Opposition carried significant responsibility.

He accused Gandhi of failing to play what he described as a constructive role in the country's democratic system.

According to Adityanath, Gandhi had taken an oath on the Constitution but continued to criticise India's traditions and heritage. He also accused the Congress leader of allegedly insulting Uttar Pradesh outside the state and India during foreign visits.

The chief minister made the remarks in Raebareli, Rahul Gandhi's Lok Sabha constituency.

Row Over Rahul Gandhi's Manusmriti Remarks

The political confrontation follows Rahul Gandhi's recent interaction with girl students in Maharashtra, where he criticised what he described as the “Manusmriti mindset” and urged women to challenge patriarchy.

Gandhi argued that women should have autonomy over their own lives and should not be viewed as belonging to their fathers, husbands or sons.

Yogi Adityanath, however, linked the remarks to a broader criticism of India's cultural and religious traditions.

Referring to Gandhi's comments, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said that anyone seeking to understand Manu should study ancient Indian texts such as the Atharvaveda, Shatapatha Brahmana and Matsya Purana.

Yogi Raises Ayodhya, Army and Emergency Issues

During his speech, Adityanath also expanded his attack beyond the Manusmriti controversy.

He accused Rahul Gandhi and the Congress of questioning issues related to national security, terrorism and India's cultural heritage. The chief minister referred to previous political controversies involving the Indian Army and the Congress's position on issues related to Lord Ram and Ayodhya.

Adityanath also invoked the 1975 Emergency, using it to question the Congress's commitment to democratic values.

The remarks reflected a wider political attack by the BJP leader, linking Gandhi's recent Manusmriti comments with debates surrounding democracy, national security and India's cultural identity.

'Why Do You Want to Destroy India's Heritage?'

Escalating his criticism, Adityanath accused Gandhi of distancing himself from the responsibilities associated with his position as Leader of the Opposition.

He also questioned what he described as the influence of “urban Naxals” on India's younger generation and asked why Gandhi allegedly wanted to damage the country's heritage and future.

The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister framed his criticism around Gandhi's comments on Manusmriti, his role in Parliament and his political positions on issues related to Indian traditions and national identity.

The latest exchange is likely to add another dimension to the ongoing political confrontation between the BJP and Congress, with Manusmriti and questions surrounding Indian heritage now becoming part of the wider political debate.