Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on the Manusmriti, accusing him of treating it as his “birthright” to denounce India’s traditions and heritage.
Adityanath also questioned Gandhi’s opposition to what he described as “Urban Naxals”, asking why the Leader of Opposition wanted to jeopardise the future of the country’s younger generation.
Addressing a programme to mark the 222nd birth anniversary of 1857 revolt leader Rana Beni Madhav Baksh Singh, Adityanath said Gandhi, as the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, had a responsibility towards the country’s democracy.
“Rahul ji, the country does not have any expectations from you as an individual. But as the Leader of Opposition in India’s Parliament, the country’s highest panchayat, you are accountable to the country’s democracy,” he said.
Adityanath said Gandhi had taken an oath on the Constitution but continued to denounce India’s traditions and heritage.
“You have taken an oath on the Constitution and, after taking that oath, you consider it your birthright to denounce India’s traditions and heritage. When you go outside Uttar Pradesh, you defame and insult Uttar Pradesh, and when you go outside India, you insult India,” he said.
Raebareli is Gandhi’s Lok Sabha constituency.
Further targeting the Congress leader, the chief minister said, "Whenever the Indian Army fights enemies on the borders, you demand proof from the soldiers. In the country's fight against terrorism, you directly or indirectly encourage anti-national elements. In Ayodhya, your party raises questions over the existence of Lord Ram. And what is your commitment to democracy? The country saw that during the Emergency in 1975".
Referring to Gandhi's Manusmriti remarks, he 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 (religious texts). You will get all the information."
Gandhi, during an interaction with girl students in Maharashtra on Saturday, had criticised the "Manusmriti mindset", urged students to "smash patriarchy" and said women belonged to themselves, not to their fathers, husbands or sons.
Adityanath said as a responsible Leader of Opposition, the country expected Rahul Gandhi to "play a positive role, but you have ruined and ended even that role. You have completely distanced yourself from your 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? Why do you want to play with India's future?" he asked.
(With inputs from PTI)
