KKN Gurugram Desk | A major religious and political controversy erupted on Sunday after Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the head of Jyotirmath Peeth, publicly declared Congress leader Rahul Gandhi “no longer a Hindu.” The statement, made from the Shankaracharya Ashram in Badrinath, comes in response to Gandhi’s controversial remarks on the Manusmriti during a recent session of the Indian Parliament.

The Shankaracharya accused Gandhi of “deliberate and repeated disrespect toward Hindu scriptures” and urged temple priests across India to refuse him entry or any religious service, effectively calling for a religious boycott.

What Did Rahul Gandhi Say About Manusmriti?

According to Swami Avimukteshwaranand, the controversy stems from a statement made by Rahul Gandhi in Parliament where he allegedly said:

“There is no formula to save a rapist in the Constitution. That formula is written in your book, the Manusmriti.”

The Shankaracharya emphasized that such a statement has deeply hurt the sentiments of followers of Sanatan Dharma and is tantamount to publicly insulting a revered Hindu scripture.

Formal Notice Was Sent to Rahul Gandhi

The spiritual leader revealed that Rahul Gandhi had been served a formal notice three months ago, asking him to:

• Specify the source of his claims about Manusmriti.

• Clarify his stance on Hindu scriptures.

• Issue a public apology or offer a factual correction.

However, the Shankaracharya stated that no reply or acknowledgment was received from Gandhi or his office, and thus, the matter has now escalated to this formal declaration of excommunication from the Hindu religion.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand: “He Can No Longer Claim to Be a Hindu”

In a strongly worded statement, the Shankaracharya said:

“A person who repeatedly insults Hindu scriptures and refuses to explain or apologize cannot be considered part of the Hindu fold. Henceforth, Rahul Gandhi has no right to call himself a Hindu.”

He further appealed to priests and religious leaders across the country:

• Do not allow Rahul Gandhi to enter temples.

• Do not perform rituals in his name.

• Do not accept him as a practicing Hindu.

Political Ripple Effect Across Parties

This unprecedented religious declaration against a senior political leader has sent shockwaves through India’s political corridors.

Immediate Reactions:

• Congress has not issued an official statement as of this writing.

• Opposition leaders are calling the move politically motivated.

• BJP leaders have highlighted the issue to question Gandhi’s ideological alignment.

While Rahul Gandhi is no stranger to controversy, this is the first time he has faced a public religious boycott from a high-ranking spiritual authority.

Rahul Gandhi’s Previous Religious Controversies

This is not the first instance where Rahul Gandhi’s comments on Hinduism or religious symbolism have landed him in trouble:

• During the 2017 Gujarat elections, his visits to temples were seen as a “soft Hindutva” move.

• In 2019, he was criticized for misquoting religious texts during public rallies.

• His remarks on caste, religious hierarchy, and Hindu scriptures have often led to public outrage from right-wing groups.

However, none of these prior incidents led to such a direct action from a religious institution.

Why Is Manusmriti a Sensitive Subject in India?

The Manusmriti, or “Laws of Manu,” is an ancient Hindu legal text that outlines aspects of dharma (duty), social hierarchy, and behavior. While it is not a scripture actively followed by the majority of modern Hindus, it remains a symbol of religious heritage for many.

Social reformers like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar criticized Manusmriti for upholding caste discrimination, and it has remained a deeply polarizing text in India’s socio-political discourse.

Hence, when a prominent politician like Gandhi directly insults the text, it triggers emotional and ideological responses from both conservative and liberal ends of the spectrum.

Legal and Constitutional Implications: Can Someone Be ‘Excommunicated’?

While India’s Constitution guarantees religious freedom, and there is no legal process to revoke someone’s religious identity, religious leaders can make symbolic declarations, which often hold social and political weight in Indian society.

Religious scholars note that:

• A Shankaracharya’s statement carries spiritual and cultural significance.

• But it does not legally affect a citizen’s rights or religious status.

Thus, while Rahul Gandhi can still legally identify as Hindu, the social fallout could impact his public image, voter perception, and temple access in some communities.

Broader Political Strategy or Genuine Religious Sentiment?

Analysts are divided on whether this move is a genuine expression of religious discontent or a political maneuver ahead of upcoming elections:

Supporters of Shankaracharya Say:

• Religious sentiments were genuinely hurt.

• A senior leader must be held accountable for inflammatory remarks.

Critics Argue:

• This timing is too convenient politically.

• The move could polarize voters along religious lines.

Regardless, the move has added fuel to India’s ongoing debate on religion, politics, and freedom of expression.

Public Sentiment: Mixed Reactions Across Social Media

On social media, reactions have been divided:

• Right-wing groups praised the Shankaracharya’s decision as a bold and necessary stand for protecting Sanatan Dharma.

• Liberal voices criticized the move as undemocratic and intolerant, urging focus on real issues like unemployment and inflation.

• A large section of neutral users called for mutual respect and dialogue, rather than public declarations of excommunication.

Hashtags like #RahulGandhi, #Manusmriti, #Shankaracharya, and #SanatanDharma trended on Twitter within hours of the statement.

The declaration by Swami Avimukteshwaranand marks a new high in the tension between political speech and religious authority. Whether Rahul Gandhi responds to this announcement or continues to ignore it remains to be seen.