Chennai, 12 January (H.S.) : The Bharatiya Janata Party leaders have strongly criticized Congress leader Mani Shankar AIYAR for his recent remarks regarding Hindutva during a debate organized by the Calcutta Debating Society.

The veteran politician described Hindutva as Hinduism in paranoia and alleged that it creates an unnecessary sense of fear among the majority population. In a sharp rebuttal, BJP leader Narayanan THIRUPATHY labeled Mani Shankar AIYAR as a British agent possessing a colonial mindset.

He emphasized that Hindutva is inherently inclusive and suggested that the Congress leader should study the teachings of Swami VIVEKANANDA and RSS chief Mohan BHAGWAT to better understand the distinction between religion and a way of life.

The controversy escalated as BJP leader CR KESAVAN demanded an unconditional apology from both Mani Shankar AIYAR and the Congress party. He accused the opposition of practicing divisive and discriminatory politics under the guise of religious appeasement.

CR KESAVAN further stated that while Hinduism and Hindutva symbolize equality and national unity, the Congress leadership has consistently displayed a hostile mindset toward these values.

He praised Prime Minister Narendra MODI for leading the Dharmik revival of the country and his vision for a developed India. The authorities within the BJP highlighted that such statements from Congress leaders are hypocritical and aimed at creating social disharmony.

These developments follow Mani Shankar AIYAR's comments on the ideology of SAVARKAR, where he claimed that the late leader viewed universalism and nonviolence as threats to national strength. The verbal exchange marks a fresh peak in the ongoing ideological battle between the two major political parties.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary