Archive · 12 Jan 2026
Mani Aiyar Sparks Row Calling Hindutva Paranoid Hinduism
Mani Shankar Aiyar, a leader from the Congress party, said that Hindutva is like Hinduism but full of fear and paranoia.
He talked about this in a debate where other important people were also speaking.
He said that Hinduism is a peaceful and old religion, but Hindutva is a new political idea that makes Hindus afraid of Muslims and does violent things.
The BJP, another political party, got very angry and said that Aiyar was insulting their religion.
They said that Hindutva is just another way to describe Hinduism and that the Supreme Court has already said it's a way of life.
So, there's a big argument between these two parties about what Hindutva really means.
Mani Shankar Aiyar called Hindutva 'Hinduism in paranoia' during a debate at the Calcutta Club.
He argued that Hindutva is a political ideology that promotes violence and fear among Hindus.
The BJP accused Aiyar of insulting Sanatan Dharma and defended Hindutva as a way of life.
Aiyar compared Hinduism's peaceful nature to Hindutva's violent actions, citing examples like beef vigilantism.
The debate included speakers from various political backgrounds and professions.
- Who
- Mani Shankar Aiyar, BJP leaders
- What
- Controversial remarks on Hindutva and Hinduism
- When
- January 11, 2026
- Where
- Calcutta Club
- Why
- Debate on the topic 'Hinduism Needs Protection From Hindutva'
- Event
- Debate on 'Hinduism Needs Protection From Hindutva'
- Speakers
- Mani Shankar Aiyar, Mahua Moitra, Swapan Dasgupta, J Sai Deepak, Sudhanshu Trivedi, Agnimitra Paul, Ruchika Sharma, Ashutosh
- Aiyar's Statement
- Hindutva is Hinduism in paranoia
- BJP's Response
- Accused Aiyar of insulting Sanatan Dharma
- Location
- Calcutta Club
- Date
- January 11, 2026