New Delhi, August 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders on Tuesday criticised Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his recent remarks on the Manusmriti, accusing him of targeting Sanatan Dharma while questioning his position on women’s rights.
Gandhi had referred to the ancient text while interacting with female students at the “Chhatron ki Goonj” programme in Pune. He criticised what he described as the Manusmriti’s restrictive view of women, referring to the notion that a woman should remain under the authority of her father during childhood, her husband in youth and her sons in old age. He said the idea that women should not be independent was unacceptable and shameful.
Reacting to the remarks, BJP leader Rohan Gupta questioned why Gandhi had invoked the Manusmriti while discussing women’s rights.
Gupta alleged that Gandhi had not commented on the issue of triple talaq and questioned the Congress’ opposition to the law enacted by the Union government against the practice. He argued that Muslim women were equally entitled to rights and accused Gandhi of “double standards” and of insulting Sanatan Dharma.
“Does he (Rahul Gandhi) have the courage to talk about Quran and Bible?” Gupta asked, alleging that Gandhi could not pursue politics by repeatedly targeting Sanatan Dharma.
Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC also accused Gandhi of “appeasement politics”, questioning why Manusmriti was being invoked whenever women’s issues were discussed. She said the focus should instead be on women’s education, safety and self-reliance.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had also criticised Gandhi on Monday, alleging that he selectively raised women’s rights to target Hinduism. Sarma challenged the Congress leader to clearly support the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
In a post on X, Sarma questioned Gandhi’s position on gender equality and alleged that he had repeatedly criticised Hindu religious texts while remaining silent on patriarchal practices associated with Sharia. He described Gandhi as a “Hindu baiter” and alleged that women’s empowerment was being used as a “convenient smokescreen” to discredit Hindu Dharma.
BJP leader Ashok Bajpai backed Sarma, alleging that Gandhi’s political approach was aimed at finding fault with Hinduism and Sanatan Dharma rather than addressing women’s welfare.
BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal also endorsed Sarma’s criticism, calling Gandhi a “failed leader” and alleging that his actions as Leader of Opposition were damaging the Congress.
Khandelwal said Gandhi was pursuing his political ambitions even at the cost of the country and claimed that his “careless actions” were hurting his own party.
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