NEW DELHI: Jyotirmath Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwarananda Saraswati on Tuesday reiterated his decision to "excommunicate" Congress MP Rahul Gandhi from Hinduism, citing the leader's critical remarks on Manusmriti as an insult to Sanatan Dharma.
Justifying his move, the Shankaracharya questioned, “How can Rahul Gandhi be considered a Hindu if he criticises Manusmriti? Any true follower of Sanatan Dharma would object to this.”
He further drew parallels with other religions, saying, “If someone claims to be a Muslim but criticises the Quran, would they be called a Muslim? If people say they are Christian but criticise the Bible, would they still be considered one? Similarly, if someone criticises Manusmriti, he cannot call himself a Hindu.”
The seer first announced Rahul Gandhi’s ‘ouster’ from Hinduism last week at the Shankaracharya Ashram in Badrinath, stating that Gandhi’s remarks made in Parliament—where he said Manusmriti “protects rapists”—were deeply offensive to the faith.
Swami Avimukteshwarananda said a letter seeking clarification was sent to Gandhi three months ago, followed by a reminder, but no response was received. “We waited patiently. But with no explanation forthcoming, we were left with no option,” he added.
The remarks have sparked fresh controversy, with opinions divided across political and religious lines.
"During his speech, he first targeted ruling party members and then made the comment against Manusmriti. It is our dharm-grantha (religious text). Pointing a finger at the ruling party's benches, Gandhi had said it is written in 'your book', which means he does not regard himself as a Hindu. A person who does not regard Manusmriti as his text cannot be a Hindu."
The Shankaracharya said Gandhi was acting against Hinduism. "We took a decision that he should be banned from temples and priests should not perform pooja for him," he said.
Jyotirmath Shankaracharya 'expels' Rahul Gandhi from Hinduism Jyotirmath Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwarananda Saraswati Saturday 'excommunicated' Congress MP Rahul Gandhi from
Hinduism, saying his remarks on Manusmriti in Parliament 'insulted Sanatan Dharma'