BJP Leaders Condemn Congress's Mani Shankar Aiyar for Hindutva Remarks

BJP leaders have reacted strongly to Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's remarks about Hindutva, labeling him a 'British agent' and demanding an apology. They argue that Aiyar's comments reflect a broader anti-Hindu sentiment within the Congress party. BJP representatives emphasized the inclusive nature of Hindutva and criticized Congress for its divisive politics. Additionally, they praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his vision of a 'religious' renaissance in India, contrasting it with the historical anti-Hindu mindset of Congress leadership. The call for accountability highlights ongoing tensions between the two major political parties in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 12, 2026, 16:00 IST

BJP's Strong Reaction to Aiyar's Comments

Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have expressed strong disapproval of Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's characterization of Hindutva as a 'distorted Hinduism.' BJP representatives labeled Aiyar as a 'British agent' and accused him of possessing a 'colonial mindset,' asserting that the entire Congress party embodies an 'anti-Hindu' attitude.

Narayanan Tirupati, a BJP leader, stated in an interview, 'Mani Shankar Aiyar is a British agent. His mindset is colonial. Hindutva is inclusive. Hinduism is a way of life, not merely a religion. I recommend he read the thoughts of Swami Vivekananda and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Hinduism and Hindutva. The mindset of Congress members is indeed colonial.'

Calls for Apology from Congress

BJP leader C.R. Keshavan also condemned Aiyar's remarks, demanding an apology from both the party and Aiyar himself. He pointed out that while Congress leaders claim to be knowledgeable about Hinduism and Hindutva, the party itself supports divisive, discriminatory, and prejudiced politics. He likened the Congress leaders' teachings on Hinduism to the hypocrisy of Aurangzeb preaching tolerance and Mir Jafar discussing loyalty.

Keshavan emphasized that Hinduism and Hindutva symbolize inclusivity and equality, contrasting sharply with Congress's practices of prejudice and divisive politics, which promote narrow religious appeasement.

Praise for PM Modi's Vision

In a further statement, Keshavan praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his role in India's 'religious' renaissance, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to support Modi's vision for a developed India. He noted that the anti-Hindu mentality of Congress, from Nehru's era to Rahul Gandhi's leadership, has consistently been hostile and is always evident. He insisted that both Rahul Gandhi and Mani Shankar Aiyar should apologize for their remarks.