Former Jharkhand CM Babulal Marandi has publicly schooled Congress MP Mani Shankar Aiyar on Hinduism, claiming the latter’s understanding is woefully inadequate. In a detailed takedown delivered at a BJP conclave, Marandi dissected Aiyar’s worldview with precision.
Labeling Aiyar’s views as superficial, Marandi emphasized that Hinduism is a way of life encompassing dharma, karma, and universal brotherhood. ‘Hindutva is our cultural DNA, not a political slogan as Aiyar portrays it,’ he declared, countering recent remarks by the Congress stalwart.
Marandi traced the evolution of Hindutva from Swami Vivekananda’s global expositions to its role in contemporary nation-building under PM Modi. He accused Aiyar of cherry-picking historical narratives to fit a secular agenda that alienates core voters.
The context traces back to Aiyar’s panel discussion where he argued Hindutva promotes exclusivity. Marandi rebutted by citing examples of Hindu tolerance, from Akbar’s era to modern syncretic festivals. ‘True Hinduism absorbs and elevates, it doesn’t erase,’ he noted.
Politically, this positions BJP as the authentic voice of Hindu aspirations, especially in tribal belts where Marandi holds sway. He warned that Congress’s intellectual elitism, exemplified by Aiyar, risks further marginalization.
Social media erupted with memes and clips of Marandi’s speech, amplifying its reach. Analysts predict this could influence discourse in poll-bound regions, forcing opposition to recalibrate.
In conclusion, Marandi’s intervention serves as a reminder of the enduring relevance of Hindutva in Indian polity. As debates rage, it highlights the chasm between traditionalist and liberal interpretations of India’s soul.