Religious orator Aniruddhacharya, popularly known as 'Katha Vachak', on Friday, 4 September sharply criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of repeatedly targeting and denigrating Sanatan Dharma. His remarks came in response to Gandhi's invocation of the 'Manusmriti' at the 'Chattron Ki Goonj' event held in Pune. Speaking from Mathura, Aniruddhacharya also extended greetings on the occasion of Janmashtami.

Attack on Rahul Gandhi's Manusmriti Remarks

Aniruddhacharya questioned the Leader of Opposition (LoP)'s understanding of the ancient Hindu text. 'If you don't understand Manusmriti, then why are you getting into it? If you study Manusmriti, then you will get the knowledge of Dharma,' he said.

He went further, challenging Gandhi's selective focus on Hindu religious traditions while, he alleged, staying silent on practices within other communities. 'Did Rahul Gandhi ever speak about triple talaq? Did he ever speak about the burqa or halala? Are halala and Triple Talaq meant for women's respect? He does not speak about any of these issues. He only targets Sanatan and keeps insulting Sanatan,' Aniruddhacharya said.

On Women's Status in Sanatan Dharma

The religious leader urged Gandhi to read the Manusmriti, asserting that the text itself mandates respect for women. 'It is in Sanatan Dharma that women have been given the status of Goddess. Are women worshipped in such a way in any other religion?... Someone should explain this to Rahul Gandhi,' he added.

Notably, the debate over the Manusmriti has resurfaced periodically in Indian political discourse, with opposition leaders citing certain passages as discriminatory, while Hindu scholars and religious figures contest that interpretation, arguing the text is misread out of context.

Ram Temple Trust CEO Appointment

Asked about the appointment of Air Marshal (Retd.) Jeetendra Mishra as the first Chief Executive Officer of the Ram Temple Trust, Aniruddhacharya expressed cautious optimism. 'It is good. Now that he has been given the responsibility, he will work with honesty. This is my hope and prayer to God — that all of them (the new Trustees) work with honesty,' he said.

Aniruddhacharya's Stand on Reservation

On the ongoing national debate over the reservation system, the religious leader advocated a needs-based approach rather than outright abolition. He argued that support should flow to those who are genuinely economically disadvantaged, and should be reconsidered once beneficiaries achieve financial stability.

'As long as a person is in need, he or she should be given support. But after they have studied, started earning and become ministers, they no longer need that support. Now it should be given to the poor. Those who are below the poverty line should be given support because they really need it,' he said.

With Janmashtami celebrations drawing large crowds across Mathura and the country, Aniruddhacharya's remarks are likely to fuel further political debate around religion, reservation, and the role of opposition leaders in engaging with Hindu scripture.