Yogi Adityanath attacks Rahul Gandhi over Manusmriti remarks, asks 'why destroy India's heritage?'

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday launched a sharp attack on Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of repeatedly making remarks that undermine India's traditions, heritage and democratic institutions.

Addressing a gathering in Raebareli, Yogi referred to Gandhi's recent remarks in Maharashtra, where the Congress leader had urged women to break free from what he called the "shackles of the Manusmriti."

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"Recently, I was reading a statement made by the Member of Parliament from Raebareli, Rahul Gandhi. He made a statement in Maharashtra urging women to break free from the shackles of the Manusmriti. Rahul ji, the country does not have high expectations of you merely as Rahul Gandhi; in fact, it has no expectations at all. However, your role as the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament entails accountability towards the country's democracy," Yogi said.

He further accused Gandhi of disrespecting India's traditions and heritage, citing his past remarks on Lord Ram and Ayodhya. "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," Yogi said. He also invoked the 1975 Emergency while questioning the Congress leader's commitment to democracy, referring to the party's historical record.

On Gandhi's comments about Manu, Yogi suggested he study ancient texts instead. "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.

Yogi further criticised Gandhi's statements made outside Uttar Pradesh and abroad, alleging he portrays the state and country negatively. "When you travel outside Uttar Pradesh, you malign and insult the state; when you go abroad, you insult India itself," he said.

He also alleged that Gandhi's statements on terrorism indirectly encourage anti-national elements, and accused the Congress of questioning the existence of Lord Shri Ram in Ayodhya.

The UP CM also referenced a recent controversy involving remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi allegedly made by a young woman at Jantar Mantar. "You must have witnessed how, at Jantar Mantar, a daughter used abusive language against Prime Minister Modi, and later, both the daughter and her mother retracted those words and offered an apology," he said.

Questioning Gandhi's political approach, Yogi asked, "Why do you want to ruin the future of India's current generation at the hands of 'Urban Naxals'? Why do you want to destroy India's heritage? Why do you want to jeopardise India's future?"

He added that the country had expected Gandhi to play a constructive role as Leader of the Opposition. "The country expected you to play a positive role as a responsible Leader of the Opposition, but you have squandered and completely abandoned that role. You have totally dissociated yourself from your responsibilities," he said.

Yogi also referenced the political legacy of Amethi and Raebareli, associated with the Gandhi family, alleging the family had created an "identity crisis" for the region despite the electorate continuing to support it.

In a separate address, Yogi also targeted the Uttar Pradesh Congress chief, alleging duplicity between his temple visits and personal conduct. "You saw the behaviour of the Congress state president: he goes to offer prayers at Hanumangarhi, but later outside he enjoys a feast of fish. He could have eaten whatever he wanted outside anywhere other than Ayodhya. Yet, this is the duplicity they display. Even a chameleon would be put to shame by these people; it would wonder what kind of human species this is chanting 'Ram-Ram' inside the temple and feasting on fish the moment they step out," Yogi said.

He further alleged, "When a mafia don murdered his brother, this man did not testify against the criminal; instead, he knelt and bowed in submission before him. It was only when the government stepped in and crushed that mafia element that the situation changed; otherwise, these people had turned the state into a mafia-dominated territory, creating an identity crisis."

Yogi also said that derogatory remarks against the Prime Minister amounted to insulting an institution of India.

"The Prime Minister is not just an individual; the Prime Minister is an institution of India. And remember, if these institutions of India are put in the dock, then every citizen of India will stand in the dock. When you make derogatory remarks or use abusive language against the Prime Minister of India, you are effectively insulting India itself. You are insulting India's heritage. You are creating an identity crisis for India's current generation because the institution itself comes under a cloud of suspicion. You must refrain from such irresponsible behaviour," he said.