24 August,2026 01:36 PM IST | Uttar Pradesh | mid-day online correspondent
Yogi Adityanath. File pic
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a sharp attack on Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Monday, questioning his conduct in Parliament and accusing him of making statements that undermine India's traditions and democratic institutions.
Speaking at a gathering in Raebareli, Yogi referred to Rahul Gandhi's recent remarks in Maharashtra, where the Congress leader had urged women to break free from what he described as the shackles of the Manusmriti.
Yogi said Rahul Gandhi's position as Leader of Opposition carries constitutional responsibilities and alleged that he had failed to fulfil them.
He said the country may not have expectations from Rahul Gandhi as an individual, but as Leader of Opposition, he has a responsibility towards the functioning of democracy.
The Chief Minister also accused Rahul Gandhi of criticising India's traditions and heritage while referring to Congress positions on issues related to Lord Ram and Ayodhya.
Responding to Rahul Gandhi's comments on Manu, Yogi suggested that the Congress leader should study ancient Indian texts to understand the subject.
He referred to the Atharvaveda, Shatapatha Brahmana and Matsya Purana, saying they contained material that could provide context on Manu.
Yogi also accused Rahul Gandhi of speaking negatively about Uttar Pradesh when outside the state and portraying India negatively during overseas visits.
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister invoked the 1975 Emergency while questioning the Congress party's record on democracy.
He also alleged that some of Rahul Gandhi's statements concerning terrorism indirectly encourage anti-national elements and criticised the Congress over its political positions on the Ram temple issue in Ayodhya.
Yogi further referred to a recent controversy involving remarks allegedly made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Jantar Mantar, claiming that the woman involved and her mother later withdrew the comments and apologised.
Yogi accused Rahul Gandhi of putting India's heritage and the future of young people at risk and referred to what he described as the influence of "Urban Naxals".
He said the country expected Rahul Gandhi to perform a constructive role as Leader of Opposition but alleged that he had failed to use the opportunity responsibly.
The Chief Minister also referred to the political importance of Amethi and Raebareli, traditionally associated with the Gandhi family, and accused the family of creating an "identity crisis" for the region despite continued electoral support.
(With inputs from ANI)
