BJP accuses Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge of ‘insulting and mocking’ Hindu faith

File photo of BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra.
| Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR

The BJP on Monday (January 27, 2024) accused Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge of “insulting and mocking” the Hindu faith by making certain “anti-Sanatan” remarks on the Maha Kumbh that would “cause great distress to millions of people in the country”.

Party spokesperson Sambit Patra criticised Mr. Kharge for his comments about Union Home Minister Amit Shah participating in the Maha Kumbh. He said while there were individuals who stood with millions to preserve that faith, some in the Congress party ridiculed it.

The BJP leader said the Maha Kumbh has been a “symbol of the Sanatan faith for millions of years” and is recognised and respected worldwide. “It is painful to say that while this faith is cherished across the globe, the largest Opposition party in India is dismissing the Maha Kumbh and this faith,” he said.

Mr. Patra said: “Mallikarjun Khargeji questioned – ‘Will taking a dip in Ganga Maa eradicate poverty? Will taking a dip in Ganga make people happy and make the country run well? I don’t understand why these people compete to spend thousands of rupees and take a dip in the Ganga’…. can Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and the Congress party say something like this about the faith of any other religion? Can they say that attending an Iftar party removes poverty or gives people jobs?”

“Thousands and millions of people go for Hajj, and we bid them farewell with respect. We bring them back home with respect, bowing to them because it is a matter of faith. However, when millions of people go to seek the blessings of Maa Ganga at the confluence in Prayagraj, following a tradition that has been practised for millions of years, such remarks against Sanatan Dharma are shameful. Rahul Gandhi and the Congress Party must clarify how such an anti-Sanatan mindset exists within the party,” said Mr. Patra.

The BJP spokesperson said it was not the first time Mr. Kharge had spoken against Sanatan Dharma and that he had previously said if the Congress could come to power, they would “end Sanatan”. “The BJP has no objection to Rahul Gandhi taking a dip abroad, but using such words against Maa Ganga and playing with the sanctity of a holy place like Prayagraj and a great festival like Kumbh is not appropriate,” said Mr. Patra.

He said the Union Home Minister, despite a busy work schedule, honoured the faith. “The Ganga is not just a river; she is Maa Ganga for us. When we take water from Maa Ganga in our hands and offer our respect, it ignites the faith of millions,” he said, seeking an apology from Mr. Gandhi and Mrs. Gandhi.