In a stirring conclusion to his ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ in Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, Rahul Gandhi, a scion of the Congress party, ignited controversy with his comments on Hinduism, specifically targeting the concept of ‘Shakti’. His remarks, made just a day after the announcement of Lok Sabha elections, have drawn widespread criticism for their distortion of sacred Hindu beliefs.
#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: At the conclusion ceremony of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi says, "There is a word 'Shakti' in Hinduism. We are fighting against a Shakti. The question is, what is that Shakti. The soul of the King is in the EVM. This… pic.twitter.com/lL9h9W0sRf
— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2024
Gandhi’s speech revolved around his intention to combat what he termed as ‘Shakti’, which he attributed to the Central Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, his interpretation of ‘Shakti’ stands in stark contrast to its revered position in Hinduism, where it symbolizes the divine feminine energy present in all beings and is associated with empowerment and the fight against evil.
The Congress leader’s statement, asserting his desire to “fight against Shakti,” has sparked outrage among netizens and political circles alike. Many have condemned his remarks as a misrepresentation of Hindu theology and a disrespect to a cherished aspect of the religion.
Leading BJP figures, including Amit Malviya, have criticized Gandhi for his distortion of Hindu concepts, labeling his comments as Hinduphobic and misogynistic. Malviya emphasized the multifaceted representation of ‘Shakti’ in Hindu belief systems and expressed dismay at Gandhi’s misguided attempt to portray it as an adversary to be fought against.
After DMK’s Udhayanidhi Stalin called for the annihilation of Sanatan Dharma, it is now Rahul Gandhi’s turn to denigrate Shakti.
Maa Durga embodies the diverse aspects of Shakti, or power, known by various names like Sati, Parvati, Uma, Durga, Kali, Gauri, Tripura Sundari,… pic.twitter.com/tOQzRMMsqs
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) March 17, 2024
Social media users have also joined the chorus of criticism, pointing out the fundamental principle in Hinduism of harnessing ‘Shakti’ to combat evil rather than engaging in conflict against it. Many have questioned Gandhi’s understanding of Hinduism and accused him of insulting the religion he claims to represent.
List of those who have fought Shakti before:
Shumbha
Nishumbha
Raktabeeja
Chanda
Munda
Mahishasuraand……. https://t.co/XwONiL3i2J
— Sanjeev Sanyal (@sanjeevsanyal) March 17, 2024
You don't fight against Shakti in Hinduism, you fight against evil with Shakti on your side.
don't learn Hinduism from missionaries!
— SubbuS (@Subbu_06) March 17, 2024
Shakti means Durga. Does he realize what he is talking about? Is he fighting against Shakti? Fir bolega kyu jeet nahi rahe.
— THE BULLS EYE (@_The_Bulls_Eye_) March 17, 2024
Why does this man talk about Hinduism when he knows nothing. From ridiculously using "pandavs" to criticise GST & demonetisation to now "fighting against Shakti."
"Shakti" is the feminine generative power, the consort of bhagwan Shiva, in sanatana.
This man is a disgrace.
— chronicallycritical (@chrotical) March 17, 2024
This is not the first time Rahul Gandhi has come under fire for his remarks on Hinduism. A previous encounter with a Catholic priest, wherein the priest purportedly denigrated Hindu concepts while promoting Christianity, has further fueled criticism of Gandhi’s understanding of religious sensitivities.
As the political climate heats up ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi’s contentious statements risk alienating Hindu voters and undermining the credibility of the Congress-led INDI Alliance. His repeated misinterpretation and distortion of Hindu concepts may prove detrimental to his political aspirations, with critics questioning his suitability for leadership in a diverse and pluralistic society.
The controversy surrounding Gandhi’s remarks serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting religious beliefs and sensitivities in the political arena, particularly in a country as diverse as Bharat. As the debate rages on, the impact of Gandhi’s comments on the upcoming elections remains to be seen.
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