BJP and Congress Clash Over Attendance at Kumbh and Ram Temple Events
The BJP has accused Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge of being anti-Hindu due to their absence from significant religious events like the Maha Kumbh Mela and the Ram temple inauguration. Congress retaliated by highlighting the attendance levels of BJP members, suggesting a double standard in the BJP’s criticisms. This political back-and-forth continues amid key visits by BJP leaders to Hindu temples.
After the Maha Kumbh Mela, tensions have escalated between the BJP and Congress regarding attendance at religious events. The BJP accused Congress leaders, particularly Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, of being anti-Hindu for not attending the Kumbh or the inauguration of the Ram temple. They believe these actions reflect indifference towards Hinduism.
Priyank Kharge, son of Mallikarjun Kharge, countered the BJP’s claims by highlighting that many BJP Union Ministers and a significant number of MLAs also did not attend the Kumbh. This indicates a more widespread issue rather than an isolated failure of Congress leaders to participate in these events.
The BJP’s criticisms surfaced alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Somnath temple and Minister Ram Mishra’s presence at the consecration of the new Govardhan Temple. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari emphasized Rahul Gandhi’s absence from significant Hindu sites, including a visit to Prayagraj, despite being close to his constituency.
In response to the BJP’s narrative, Priyank Kharge pointed out the presence or absence of significant figures such as Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar among those who did not attend the Kumbh. This underlines the incongruity of labeling individuals as anti-Hindu based solely on attendance at religious events, suggesting a broader context should be considered.
The ongoing conflict between the BJP and Congress revolves around accusations of anti-Hindu sentiment, primarily directed at Congress leaders for their absence at major religious events. However, the presence of numerous BJP members who also did not attend dilutes these claims, raising questions about the validity of such labeling. The debate remains a point of contention in Indian political discourse.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
