Yogi Adityanath targets Hamid Ansari, Rahul Gandhi over 'maligning' India's culture
Synopsis
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath used a women's empowerment ceremony in Greater Noida to launch a dual offensive — accusing former VP Hamid Ansari of invoking Nehru to malign the Hindu Sanatan tradition and targeting Rahul Gandhi over a comedian's alleged mockery of PM Modi at the Indore 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' event. The address signals the BJP's intent to keep cultural nationalism at the centre of its political messaging.
Key Takeaways
UP CM Yogi Adityanath on 20 September accused former VP Hamid Ansari of making 'unfortunate' and 'scary' remarks by citing a Nehru statement on 'Hindu right-wing communalism.' Adityanath alleged Ansari's comments were part of an 'agenda to malign India's reputation' driven by 'anti-India forces.' He also attacked Rahul Gandhi over a comedian's alleged mockery of PM Narendra Modi at the 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' event in Indore .
The Chief Minister made these remarks at the closing ceremony of the 'Utkarsh Nari Samman, Yuva Swabhiman' programme in Greater Noida .
Adityanath framed both incidents as attempts to 'create an identity crisis' for India and undermine its cultural values.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday, 20 September launched a sharp attack on former Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, accusing both of failing to uphold the dignity of their respective positions and attempting to 'malign' India's culture while fostering an 'identity crisis' for the country. The Chief Minister made the remarks at the closing ceremony of the 'Utkarsh Nari Samman, Yuva Swabhiman' programme in Greater Noida.
The Trigger: Ansari's Remarks on Communalism
The remarks came in the wake of a controversy sparked by Hamid Ansari, who cited a statement attributed to former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru about what he described as the perceived threat posed by 'Hindu right-wing communalism'. Adityanath termed Ansari's comments 'unfortunate' and 'scary' for the nation's culture and tradition, alleging they were part of a broader agenda. 'Some people aren't able to uphold the dignity of their positions and instead make it a habit to act in contrast to it,' he said.
Adityanath's Allegations Against Ansari
The Chief Minister alleged that Ansari's statements were 'a part of the agenda to malign India's reputation in the world, that is continuously being attempted by certain anti-India forces.' He further accused the former Vice President of insulting the Hindu Sanatan tradition, saying: 'Attempts were made to link it to terrorism.' While acknowledging that individuals are entitled to personal opinions, Adityanath stressed that those who hold significant constitutional offices bear a higher responsibility. 'A person who holds a significant office is expected to act according to the rules laid out by the Constitution and should make a major contribution towards the country's sovereignty and integrity,' he added.
Attack on Rahul Gandhi Over Indore Event
Adityanath also directed criticism at Rahul Gandhi over his 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' event in Indore, accusing him of displaying uncivilised behaviour. The event drew political controversy after a comedian allegedly mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi while sharing the stage with Gandhi. 'No civilised person behaves in this manner,' Adityanath remarked. This is the latest flashpoint in an ongoing war of words between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (Congress) over cultural and political propriety.
Broader Cultural Argument
Adityanath used the occasion to articulate a broader argument about Indian cultural values, asserting that India's heritage instructs its people to respect women, elders, and those with disabilities. 'Those who have not learnt such values and principles and instead have made it their life's aim to insult India, cannot be expected to understand the thought behind Vasudeva Kutumbakam (World is one family) or to respect women at par with the Almighty,' he said. He alleged that such actions aim to 'create confusion among people, in order to further create a situation of anarchy' and 'demean India, create an identity crisis for the country and endanger women's dignity.'
What's Next
The remarks are likely to intensify the political exchange between the BJP and opposition parties ahead of several state-level political cycles. Adityanath's address at a women's empowerment event — where he simultaneously positioned the BJP as a defender of Indian cultural values — signals a continued effort to frame national identity as a key electoral fault line. A response from Congress or Ansari's camp is expected to follow.
Point of View
The choice of venue matters: a women's empowerment event lends rhetorical cover to an otherwise purely political broadside. What mainstream coverage may miss is that Ansari's original remark was itself a citation of Nehru — attributing the 'threat' framing to a founding-era figure rather than asserting it personally — a distinction that has been largely flattened in the political reaction. As state-level electoral cycles approach, expect this cultural-identity framing to intensify rather than recede.
NationPress
20 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Yogi Adityanath say about Hamid Ansari?
Adityanath called Ansari's remarks 'unfortunate' and 'scary,' alleging they were part of an agenda to malign India's reputation and insult the Hindu Sanatan tradition. The controversy was triggered after Ansari cited a statement attributed to former PM Jawaharlal Nehru about 'Hindu right-wing communalism.'
Why did Adityanath criticise Rahul Gandhi?
Adityanath criticised Rahul Gandhi over the 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' event in Indore, where a comedian allegedly mocked PM Narendra Modi while sharing the stage with Gandhi. Adityanath said 'no civilised person behaves in this manner.'
Where and when did Yogi Adityanath make these remarks?
Adityanath made the remarks on 20 September at the closing ceremony of the 'Utkarsh Nari Samman, Yuva Swabhiman' programme in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
What was the controversy surrounding Hamid Ansari's original remark?
Hamid Ansari triggered political controversy by citing a remark attributed to former PM Jawaharlal Nehru about the perceived threat of 'Hindu right-wing communalism.' BJP leaders interpreted this as an affront to India's Hindu cultural heritage.
How does this fit into the broader BJP-Congress political rivalry?
The exchange is part of an ongoing BJP-Congress battle over cultural and national identity, with BJP leaders frequently framing opposition figures as hostile to Indian traditions. Adityanath's remarks at a women's empowerment event signal a continued effort to position cultural nationalism as a defining political issue.
