Kharge’s remarks on Yogi sparkoutrage, BJP demands apology

Lucknow: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's recent remarks targeting Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's saffron attire sparked strong reaction from BJP functionaries and Hindu saints who demanded an apology from him.Deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak said that Kharge's comments represented the "long-standing, divisive mindset of the Congress"."Congress has a history of disparaging Hinduism and Sanatan cultural values. Kharge's statement reflects Congress's approach of manipulating divisions in society for political gain," he said.Comparing Congress to historical aggressors, Pathak demanded an apology from Kharge and accused the party of holding deep-seated prejudice against Hindu traditions and saints.Speaking at an election rally in Maharashtra, Kharge had said that some people wore saffron robe but had become politicians and were spreading hatred in the society.Cabinet minister Om Prakash Rajbhar also voiced strong disapproval, stating that Congress had a track record of exploiting divisions among castes and communities to gain power. "Congress deceived marginalised communities, including backward classes, Dalits, and Muslims, and neglected critical issues like education, healthcare, sanitation, and farmers' welfare," Rajbhar said.Rajbhar said Kharge's comments were aimed at seeking attention without addressing substantive issues.Kharge's comments drew strong reaction from the Hindu saint community, with the Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti called for retraction and apology.Swami Jitendranand Saraswati, secretary of the samiti, labelled Kharge's statement as "disrespectful and deplorable," emphasising that such remarks offended Hindu religious sentiments. Saraswati cautioned that if Congress did not halt its attacks on Hindu beliefs and Sanatan culture, the saint community would respond forcefully.Swami Karpatri Maharaj of Ayodhya also condemned Kharge's remarks, invoking a symbolic contrast between Kharge and Yogi. He explained that "Kharge" refers to a sword that divides, while "Yogi" symbolises unity and integration. Swami Karpatri accused the Congress of historically supporting figures who undermined Hindu values and reiterated the call for Kharge to issue an apology.
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