Rahul Gandhi's Comments on Lord Ram Spark Political Controversy

 Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has drawn criticism following remarks made during an interaction at Brown University in the United States, where he described Indian deities, including Lord Ram, as "mythological figures." A video clip of the statement has since gone viral, igniting sharp reactions from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and sparking a political row.

In the video, Gandhi is heard saying, “All are mythological figures; Lord Ram was of that type, where he was forgiving, he was compassionate.” The comment has been interpreted by BJP leaders as a challenge to the religious sentiments of millions of Hindus, prompting an intense backlash.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla strongly condemned the statement, asserting that the nation would not forgive Gandhi for questioning the existence of Lord Ram. “From being anti-national to now being anti-Ram, the Congress continues to alienate Hindus,” Poonawalla said. He further alleged that the Congress party has consistently opposed the construction of the Ram Mandir and has historically undermined Hindu beliefs.

“This is not an isolated instance,” he added. “It reflects a long-standing ideological stance, as seen when the UPA government under Sonia Gandhi questioned the existence of Ram Setu in an affidavit to the Supreme Court. This mindset continues to offend the sentiments of Hindus across the country.”

Joining the criticism, BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan posted the video on social media platform X, recalling the 2007 UPA-era affidavit that claimed there was no historical evidence supporting the existence of Lord Ram. Kesavan also referenced past comments made by Congress ally DMK, which mocked religious beliefs by questioning the mythological bridge associated with Lord Ram.

Rahul Gandhi Confronted by Sikh Student at Brown University

In a separate clip from the same event, a Sikh student directly questioned Rahul Gandhi over his past claims that the BJP would seek to ban symbols such as turbans and kadas. The student highlighted concerns over the Congress party’s record on freedom of expression and minority rights.

“We don’t just want to wear turbans and kadas,” the student said. “We want freedom of expression, which has historically been curtailed under the Congress.” He also raised the issue of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and accused the party of shielding those accused in the violence, specifically mentioning Sajjan Kumar.

Responding to the concerns, Gandhi acknowledged the party's shortcomings, stating, “I take responsibility… what happened in the 1980s was wrong.”

The controversy has added fuel to the ongoing political debate as the country approaches a critical electoral season, with issues of religious identity and historical accountability once again taking center stage.