New Delhi, August 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati on Tuesday criticised Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over his recent remarks on the Manusmriti, accusing him of displaying an “anti-Hindu mindset” and spreading what he described as misinformation about Sanatan traditions.
Gandhi had on Saturday, while addressing the Congress youth outreach programme ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ in Pune, criticised a passage attributed to the Manusmriti concerning the status of women. He said women should not be considered subordinate to their fathers, husbands or sons and described the cited words as shameful.
Gandhi had quoted the verse beginning “Pita Rakshati Kaumare, Bharta Rakshati Yauvane…” while arguing that women should be free to determine their own lives.
Reacting to the remarks, Swami Avimukteshwaranand said Gandhi should “give up his anti-Hindu religious mindset, false propaganda, and misinformation”. He accused the Congress leader of having a superficial understanding of Sanatan traditions and of using verses from ancient texts out of context for political purposes.
The Swami offered a different interpretation of the Sanskrit verse, arguing that the word “Rakshati” means “to protect” and refers to providing security rather than controlling or subjugating women.
He said women have traditionally held a respected position in Sanatan thought and cited figures such as Gargi, Maitreyi and Lopamudra as examples of women scholars and sages recognised in Indian tradition.
Referring to the saying “Yatra Naryastu Pujyante Ramante Tatra Devtaah”, he said the tradition places importance on honouring women.
Swami Avimukteshwaranand also rejected Gandhi’s alleged attempt to link the BJP with the Manusmriti, arguing that India’s governance is based on the Constitution and that connecting a political party with an ancient text for political purposes was, in his view, misleading.
He further claimed that Gandhi’s repeated criticism of the Manusmriti reflected hostility towards Hindu scriptures and Sanatan philosophy. The Swami warned the Congress leader and party against making what he termed derogatory or misleading statements about religious texts without studying them fully.
The remarks have added to the ongoing political debate over the Manusmriti, women’s rights and interpretations of India’s religious and cultural traditions.
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