New Delhi, Jan 12 (NationPress) Prominent Congress figure Mani Shankar Aiyar has ignited a fresh debate with his comments categorizing Hindutva as "Hinduism in paranoia". This has led to a fierce backlash from the BJP, which accused Aiyar of disrespecting Sanatan Dharma.

During a discussion titled 'Hinduism Needs Protection From Hindutva' on Sunday, Aiyar stated, "Hindutva is Hinduism in paranoia. It compels 80% of Hindus to tremble before 14% of Muslims. It is akin to a BJP leader assaulting a blind, needy tribal girl for attending a Christmas lunch in a Church. Hindutva disrupts shopping malls to destroy Christmas decorations."

Discussing Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Aiyar remarked, "Savarkar viewed Buddhism as a threat to all Hindus. He claimed it negated Hindutva, offering the narcotic of universalism and nonviolence. According to him, it was disastrous for national strength and even the survival of the Hindu race."

Aiyar insisted that Hinduism and Hindutva are essentially different, stating that Hinduism represents a spiritual tradition while Hindutva is politically motivated.

"Hinduism is a profound spiritual faith. Hindutva is a political manifesto. Hindutva emerged in 1923; for millennia, Hinduism endured hardships and thrived without the need for Hindutva's protection. There is no way that Gandhi's and Swami Vivekananda's Hinduism can be safeguarded or advanced by Savarkar's Hindutva," he asserted.

Continuing his critique, Aiyar said, "Savarkar claimed 'Hindus identify as Hindus through violence'. In contrast, Mahatma Gandhi noted that Hindus possess an ancient civilization and are fundamentally non-violent. We have witnessed how Hindutva vigilantes assault and even kill anyone suspected of consuming or transporting beef. Gandhiji stated that killing a human being to protect a cow is a denial of Hinduism and Ahimsa."

These statements provoked immediate reactions from the BJP, with party leaders accusing Congress of fostering animosity towards Hindu principles.

In response to Aiyar's comments, BJP MP Mithilesh Kumar Katheria told IANS, "Mani Shankar Aiyar has spoken inaccurately. Both Hinduism and Hindutva are vital for Hindus. Hindutva is not political. The Congress does not cherish Hindus; they favor others. The language and culture of India are part of Hindutva. This is our India, our nation; how can we speak against Hindutva? Hindutva is our essence."

Uttar Pradesh Minister Narendra Kashyap also criticized the Congress leader, stating, "Believing that the Congress party can redefine Sanatan Dharma is perilous for them. Sanatan Hindu and Hindutva are synonymous. Aiyar's remarks are reckless and reflect Congress's decline."

Earlier, BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari reacted sharply, taking to social media to accuse Congress of trying to divide the Hindu population.

"Once again, Congress is attempting to create a rift among Hindus. They wish for one Hindu to oppose another. This serves Congress, whose sole aim is to consolidate the vote bank by uniting minorities while dividing the Hindu majority," he wrote.

The Congress party has yet to respond to Aiyar's statements.