Raebareli (Uttar Pradesh) [India], August 24 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday launched a sharp attack on Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, questioning his role in Parliament and accusing him of repeatedly making remarks that, according to the Chief Minister, undermine India's traditions, heritage and democratic institutions.
Addressing a gathering in Raebareli, Yogi referred to Rahul Gandhi's recent remarks in Maharashtra in which the Congress leader had called upon women to break free from what he described as the shackles of the Manusmriti.
Yogi said Rahul Gandhi's position as Leader of Opposition comes with constitutional and democratic responsibilities and alleged that he has failed to fulfil them.
"Recently, I was reading a statement made by the Member of Parliament from Raebareli, Rahul Gandhi. He made a statement in Maharashtra urging women to break free from the shackles of the Manusmriti. Rahul ji, the country does not have high expectations of you merely as Rahul Gandhi; in fact, it has no expectations at all. However, your role as the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament entails accountability towards the country's democracy," Yogi said.
He further accused Rahul Gandhi of disrespecting India's traditions and heritage, while referring to his criticism of the government and Congress's political positions on issues concerning Lord Ram and Ayodhya.
Yogi said, "You took an oath to uphold the Constitution of India, yet you seem to consider it your birthright to disparage India's traditions and heritage."
He also invoked the Emergency of 1975 while questioning Rahul Gandhi's commitment to democracy and referred to the Congress party's historical record.
On Rahul Gandhi's comments concerning Manu, Yogi advised him to study ancient Indian texts to understand the subject.
"If you wish to understand Manu, read the Atharvaveda, the Shatapatha Brahmana and the Matsya Purana; you will find all the information there," he said.
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister also criticised Rahul Gandhi over his political statements made outside Uttar Pradesh and abroad, alleging that he has sought to portray the state and the country negatively.
"When you travel outside Uttar Pradesh, you malign and insult the state; when you go abroad, you insult India itself," Yogi said.
He further alleged that Rahul Gandhi's statements on terrorism indirectly encourage anti-national elements and accused the Congress of questioning the existence of Lord Shri Ram in Ayodhya.
Yogi also targeted Rahul Gandhi over a recent controversy surrounding remarks allegedly made by a young woman at Jantar Mantar against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said the woman and her mother later withdrew the remarks and apologised.
"You must have witnessed how, at Jantar Mantar, a daughter used abusive language against Prime Minister Modi, and later, both the daughter and her mother retracted those words and offered an apology," he said.
Questioning Rahul Gandhi's political approach, Yogi asked why the future of India's youth and the country's heritage should be placed at risk.
"Why do you want to ruin the future of India's current generation at the hands of 'Urban Naxals'? Why do you want to destroy India's heritage? Why do you want to jeopardise India's future?" he said.
Yogi further said the country expected Rahul Gandhi, as Leader of the Opposition, to play a constructive role in Parliament but alleged that he had "squandered" the opportunity.
"The country expected you to play a positive role as a responsible Leader of the Opposition, but you have squandered and completely abandoned that role. You have totally dissociated yourself from your responsibilities," he said.
The Chief Minister also invoked the political significance of Amethi and Raebareli, traditionally associated with the Gandhi family, accusing the family of creating an "identity crisis" for the region despite the electorate continuing to support it. (ANI)
"Why destroy India's heritage?": UP CM Yogi Adityanath attacks Rahul Gandhi over Manusmriti remarks
