Jharkhand BJP president Babulal Marandi has unleashed a blistering critique against Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, declaring that the veteran politician has no grasp on the essence of Hinduism or Hindutva. Speaking at a party event, Marandi’s remarks have ignited fresh political fireworks.
The seasoned leader, known for his tribal roots and strong Hindutva stance, accused Aiyar of repeatedly displaying profound ignorance. ‘How can someone who claims to understand India dismiss Hindutva so casually?’ Marandi questioned, referencing Aiyar’s latest interview where he critiqued the ideology as divisive.
Marandi painted a vivid picture of Hinduism’s inclusive philosophy, drawing from epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. He argued that Hindutva is not mere politics but a civilizational force that has sustained India through millennia of invasions and challenges. ‘Aiyar sahab should visit our temples and ashrams to learn the real meaning,’ he suggested sarcastically.
This verbal salvo comes amid heightened tensions between BJP and Congress over religious narratives. Aiyar, often seen as the intellectual voice of the grand old party, has previously sparked outrage with comments on beef bans and temple politics. Marandi capitalized on this, portraying Congress as out of touch with India’s Hindu majority.
In a broader context, Marandi linked the issue to national security and cultural preservation. He recalled how Hindutva ideals fueled freedom struggles and post-independence unity. ‘Pseudo-secularists like Aiyar weaken our resolve against external threats,’ he asserted, appealing to nationalist sentiments.
As the exchange goes viral on social media, BJP supporters are hailing Marandi’s retort as a masterstroke. Congress has yet to respond officially, but insiders hint at dismissing it as routine BJP rhetoric. With elections looming in several states, this spat exemplifies the high-stakes battle for ideological supremacy.
Ultimately, Marandi’s comments reinforce BJP’s narrative dominance on Hindutva, challenging Congress to articulate its position clearly. The coming days will reveal if this escalates into a larger controversy or fades into election noise.