Rae Bareli, August 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday launched a sharp attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on Manusmriti, accusing him of undermining India’s traditions, heritage and institutions and questioning whether he was fulfilling the responsibilities attached to his constitutional position.
Addressing a Bhav Samarpan programme in Rae Bareli to mark the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Rana Beni Madhav Baksh Singh, Yogi said a society that forgets its ancestors cannot build a meaningful future. He alleged that attempts were being made to disconnect people from India’s traditions, values and historical ideals.
Referring to Rahul Gandhi’s recent statement that women should break free from the “shackles of Manusmriti”, Yogi questioned the Congress leader’s position as Leader of Opposition and said he had taken an oath to uphold the Constitution.
“As Rahul Gandhi, the country does not have many expectations from you. But as the Leader of Opposition in the Parliament of India, the country expects you to be accountable to democracy,” Yogi said, asking whether criticising India’s traditions and heritage could be treated as a “birthright”.
The Chief Minister accused Gandhi of criticising Uttar Pradesh outside the state and India while abroad. He also alleged that Gandhi had questioned the Indian Army’s actions and supported, directly or indirectly, elements opposed to the country.
Yogi said Gandhi should study ancient Indian texts, including the Atharvaveda, Shatapatha Brahmana and Matsya Purana, if he wanted to understand the concept of “Manu” in its historical context.
He also accused Gandhi of allowing what he described as “urban Naxals” to influence the younger generation and alleged that he had failed to discharge the responsibilities of the Leader of Opposition. “Why do you want to destroy India’s heritage? Why do you want to play with the future of India?” he asked.
Yogi further criticised Gandhi over remarks against the Prime Minister and constitutional institutions, saying such statements amounted to disrespecting the offices they represented.
The Chief Minister also attacked the Congress over its description of the 1925 Kakori train action as “loot”, arguing that revolutionary figures of the freedom movement deserved greater respect. He alleged that the Gandhi family had failed to honour freedom fighters adequately.
Yogi also criticised Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai over a fish feast reportedly held after a visit to Hanumangarhi in Ayodhya, accusing the party of displaying double standards.
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