File photo of BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra. | Photo credit: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar
The BJP on Monday (January 27, 2024) accused Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge of “insulting and mocking” the Hindu faith by making certain “anti-Sanathan” comments on the Maha Kumbh that would “cause great distress to millions of people.” in the country.”
Party spokesperson Sambit Patra criticized Mr Kharge for his comments on the Union Home Minister Amit Shah participating in the Maha Kumbh. He said that while there were individuals who stood with millions to preserve that faith, some in the Congress party ridiculed it.
The BJP leader said the Maha Kumbh has been a “symbol of the Sanatan faith for millions of years” and is recognized and respected around the world. “It is painful to say that while this faith is appreciated all over the world, India’s largest opposition party is discarding the Maha Kumbh and this faith,” he said.

Mr. Patra said: “Mallikarjun Khargehee questioned: ‘he will take a dip in Ganga Maa eradicate poverty? Will taking a dip in Ganga make people happy and make the country run well? I don’t understand why these people are competing to spend thousands of rupees and give me a dip in the Ganges’…can Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and the Congress party say something like this about the faith of any other religion? Can you say that attending an Iftar match eliminates poverty or gives people jobs?

“Thousands and millions of people go for the hajj, and we bid them farewell with respect. We bring them back home with respect, bowing them because it is a matter of faith. However, when millions of people go to seek the blessings of Maa Ganga at the confluence in Prayagraj, following a tradition that has been practiced for millions of years, such comments against Sanatan Dharma are shameful. Rahul Gandhi and the Congress Party must clarify how an anti-satan mentality exists within the party,” Mr. Patra said.
The BJP spokesperson said it was not the first time that Mr Kharge had spoken against Sanatan Dharma and that he had earlier said that if the Congress could come to power, they would “finish Sanatan”. “The BJP has no objection to Rahul Gandhi immersing himself abroad, but using such words against Maa Ganga and playing with the sanctity of a holy place like Prayagraj and a grand festival like Kumbh is not appropriate,” Mr. said. Patra.
He said the Union Home Minister, despite a busy work schedule, honored faith. “The Ganges is not just a river; She is Maa Ganga for us. When we take Maa Ganga water in our hands and pay our respects, it ignites the faith of millions,” he said, seeking an apology from Mr. Gandhi and Mrs. Gandhi.
Published – January 27, 2025 11:31 PM IST