Hindu Sentiments Hurt? Bharatiya Janata Party Reacts To Rahul Gandhi Lord Parshuram Poster

A political controversy has erupted in Varanasi after Youth Congress workers reportedly depicted Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi as Lord Parshuram during celebrations marking his 56th birthday. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has called the act an insult to Hindu religious sentiments and accused the Congress of crossing cultural and religious boundaries.

According to reports, Youth Congress workers performed religious rituals on the banks of the Ganga, where a poster showing Rahul Gandhi as Lord Parshuram was used during the celebrations. The poster allegedly depicted him holding an axe in one hand and the Constitution of India in the other. Workers reportedly performed a Rudrabhishek with Vedic chants, poured milk on the poster, and cut an 11-kg laddu cake while praying for his long life and political success.

The depiction quickly triggered political backlash, with BJP leaders strongly condemning the act. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak termed the portrayal “unacceptable” and alleged that it amounted to an insult to Lord Parshuram, who is widely revered in Hindu tradition. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also criticised the Congress, accusing its leaders of inconsistency in their approach to religious sentiments and asserting that such actions would not be forgotten by the public.

Also Read: Rahul Gandhi Birthday Marked by Congress Workers With Rituals and Celebrations

The Congress party, however, defended the celebrations and the symbolism used by its workers. Vikas Singh, president of the Varanasi Youth Congress, said the act reflected emotional admiration for their leader, comparing Rahul Gandhi’s political struggle against injustice to the mythological role of Lord Parshuram in defeating evil forces. Party representatives argued that the depiction was not intended to hurt religious sentiments but to express devotion towards their political leader.

Congress spokesperson Alok Sharma further stated that those involved in the event belonged to the Brahmin community and were expressing their personal sentiments. He maintained that the ritualistic observance should be viewed as symbolic rather than political provocation, emphasising that no disrespect was intended toward religious beliefs or traditions.

Lord Parshuram, regarded as the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu in Hindu mythology, is traditionally depicted as a warrior-sage who fought against injustice and unrighteous rulers. He is also considered one of the seven Chiranjeevis in Hindu belief. The controversy continues to draw strong reactions from political parties, adding to an already charged atmosphere surrounding the Congress leader’s birthday celebrations across the country.

Also Read: ‘Keep Shining’: Abhishek Banerjee Sends Heartfelt Birthday Wishes To Rahul Gandhi