Archive · 27 Aug 2026
Hindu Leader Demands Rahul Gandhi Apologise Over Manusmriti Remarks
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati criticised Rahul Gandhi for comments about the Manusmriti.
He said Gandhi had wrongly described what the ancient text contains.
The Swami said he sent Gandhi a letter asking him to show the passage supporting his claim.
He said Gandhi had not replied.
The Swami wants Gandhi to apologise.
He warned that a campaign could ask Hindus not to vote for the Congress Party.
He also said his criticism was not based on personal hatred.
He argued that some Manusmriti provisions describe a father's responsibility to protect a newborn girl.
The article does not include a response from Rahul Gandhi or the Congress Party.
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati accused Rahul Gandhi of insulting Hindu religious texts.
He said Gandhi should apologise for remarks concerning the Manusmriti.
The Shankaracharya alleged Gandhi attributed statements to the text that it does not contain.
He said a letter asking Gandhi to identify the alleged passage received no response.
He warned of a campaign urging Hindus not to vote for Congress if no apology is offered.
- Who
- Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati criticised Rahul Gandhi and warned the Congress Party.
- What
- He demanded an apology over Gandhi's remarks concerning the Manusmriti and threatened an electoral-awareness campaign.
- When
- The remarks were reported on Thursday; the article does not provide a specific date.
- Where
- Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati spoke to IANS in Bemetara.
- Why
- He alleged that Gandhi repeatedly insulted Hindu religious texts and attributed statements to the Manusmriti that are not contained in it.
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati's Position
Reported Position Attributed to Rahul Gandhi
Interpretation of the Manusmriti
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati's Position
The Swami alleged that Gandhi wrongly attributed statements to the Manusmriti, including a claim that it promotes rape.
Reported Position Attributed to Rahul Gandhi
The article reports that Gandhi criticised the Manusmriti and made the disputed assertion, but it does not provide his full argument or a response to the allegations.
Apology and Political Consequences
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati's Position
The Swami demanded an apology and warned of a campaign urging Hindus not to vote for Congress if Gandhi continues without apologising.
Reported Position Attributed to Rahul Gandhi
No response from Rahul Gandhi or the Congress Party is included in the article.
Protection of Girls
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati's Position
The Swami defended the text's reference to a father's responsibility to protect a newborn girl, arguing that this should not be interpreted as restricting women's freedom.
Reported Position Attributed to Rahul Gandhi
The article does not provide Gandhi's response to this interpretation.
- Speaker
- Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, identified in the article as a Shankaracharya.
- Target of criticism
- Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition.
- Text at issue
- The Manusmriti, described by the Swami as part of the Hindu religious-scripture tradition.
- Requested action
- The Swami said Rahul Gandhi should apologise.
- Potential campaign
- He warned that Hindus could be urged not to vote for the Congress Party.
- Letter
- The Swami said a letter asking Gandhi to identify a disputed passage had been sent and made public.
- Response reported
- The article says no response from Rahul Gandhi was received.