Anurag Thakur Criticizes Rahul Gandhi: “Accidental Hindu with Limited Mahabharata Knowledge”
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/31st July 2024
In a recent fiery address in the Lok Sabha, BJP MP and former Union Minister Anurag Thakur launched a scathing critique of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Thakur accused Gandhi of being an “accidental Hindu” with superficial knowledge of the Mahabharata, suggesting that his understanding of the epic is minimal and possibly influenced by external sources like “Uncle Sam” or “Uncle Soros.”
Thakur’s pointed comments came on the heels of Gandhi’s speech, where Gandhi used the metaphor of the ‘chakravyuh’ to describe the pervasive atmosphere of fear in the country. Gandhi asserted that the government’s budget aimed to bolster monopoly capitalism, political monopoly, and the deep state. He likened the current scenario to the ancient battlefield of Kurukshetra, where Abhimanyu was trapped and killed within the ‘chakravyuh’. Gandhi claimed that similar fear and violence are entangling everyone, from BJP MPs to farmers and workers.
Responding to this analogy, Thakur questioned Gandhi’s comprehension of the Mahabharata, pointing out that Abhimanyu was killed by seven Maharathis, a detail he implied Gandhi might not know. He further insinuated that Gandhi’s speeches could be shaped by foreign influences rather than genuine understanding.
Thakur also addressed Gandhi’s criticism of the lotus, which is not only a political symbol of the BJP but also a culturally and religiously significant flower in India, associated with Goddess Lakshmi and recognized as the national flower. He argued that disparaging the lotus is equivalent to disrespecting revered figures like Lord Shiva, Lord Buddha, and Lokmanya Tilak. Thakur urged Gandhi to consider the cultural implications of his statements before making them.
In his detailed rebuttal, Thakur tackled various topics Gandhi raised, including the chakravyuh analogy, the Halwa issue, reservations, Agniveer, and the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Thakur compared Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Abhimanyu, asserting that despite many attempts to entrap him over the past 30 years, Modi remains undefeated because “Dharam (righteousness) is with us.” He likened the opposition to Karna and the Narayani Sena, while positioning his party with Krishna.
Thakur mocked Gandhi for mispronouncing names from the Mahabharata, such as calling Karna “Karan” and Kripacharya “Krip Chai.” He suggested it felt like watching an episode of BR Chopra’s Mahabharata in parliament. He humorously referenced Shashi Tharoor’s book, “The Great Indian Novel,” which intertwines the Mahabharata with India’s freedom struggle, suggesting Gandhi might find it educational but cautioned it could stir internal party conflicts.
On the Halwa issue, Thakur highlighted multiple scams from Congress’s tenure, questioning who benefited from scandals like Bofors and 2G. He also criticized the opposition for brandishing the constitution without understanding it. Thakur recounted an instance where he queried the opposition on the constitution’s content, to which they had no answers.
Thakur’s speech was a direct counter to Gandhi’s accusations, aimed at discrediting his understanding and statements. This exchange reflects the ongoing political sparring and the deep-seated rivalry between the BJP and Congress, especially in the run-up to significant political events and elections. Thakur’s remarks underline the BJP’s stance and serve as a rallying call for its supporters, emphasizing their cultural and political ethos.
