Rahul Gandhi calls Lord Ram ‘mythological’; BJP accuses him of ‘anti-Hindu’ agenda

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has stirred controversy by referring to Lord Ram as a “mythological figure” during an address at Brown University in the United States. His remarks triggered strong criticism from BJP leaders, who labelled him and the Congress party as “anti-Hindu” and “anti-Ram.”

Speaking at the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, Gandhi was responding to a question on secular politics in the face of rising Hindu nationalism. In his answer, he invoked Lord Ram while making a broader point about Indian values of compassion and tolerance, contrasting them with what he called the BJP's narrow vision of Hinduism.

“All our mythological figures, Lord Ram was of that kind. He was forgiving, he was compassionate,” Gandhi said. He went on to argue that the idea of Hinduism, in his view, was more inclusive, tolerant, and pluralistic—far from what he believes the BJP represents. He also described the BJP as a “fringe group” that has now acquired disproportionate political power.

BJP leaders were quick to react. They shared video clips of Gandhi’s remarks and accused him of mocking Hindu beliefs. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla recalled the 2007 UPA-era affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, which questioned the historical existence of Lord Ram. He said Rahul Gandhi’s statements proved that the Congress party has long harboured “anti-Ram” sentiments.

Other BJP voices, including Pradeep Bhandari and CR Kesavan, echoed similar sentiments. They accused the Congress of repeatedly undermining Hindu faith—from opposing the Ram Temple’s construction to coining the term “Hindu terror.” BJP leaders also highlighted that neither Rahul nor Sonia Gandhi attended the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony earlier this year.

The BJP turned the controversy into a larger ideological attack, branding Gandhi’s views as aligned with Pakistan’s narrative and dismissing them as a threat to the cultural and religious values of India. Congress has not officially responded yet to the backlash.

This latest political flashpoint adds to the ongoing polarisation over religious identity in Indian politics, especially ahead of upcoming elections, where both parties are seeking to mobilise core voters around cultural and faith-based narratives.