Shankaracharya Rebukes Rahul Gandhi Over Manusmriti Interpretations

The Shankaracharya specifically addressed Gandhi's interpretation of the verse 'Pita rakshati kaumare', arguing that the term 'rakshati' denotes a duty of protection and societal responsibility rather than the subjugation of women. He pointed to figures like Gargi and Maitreyi as historical evidence of the reverence women held in early Indian tradition. Dismissing Gandhi's claims that the BJP operates under the influence of the Manusmriti, the religious head asserted that India’s political system is governed exclusively by the Constitution.

This criticism follows a broader political confrontation involving Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who recently questioned Gandhi’s conduct as Leader of the Opposition. Adityanath accused the Congress leader of undermining democratic institutions and national heritage through his rhetoric. The Shankaracharya warned that continued mischaracterization of these texts would incite further opposition from those committed to the Sanatan worldview, noting that Gandhi has previously been criticized for his persistent focus on these scriptural debates.