Congress leader Nana Patole compares Rahul Gandhi to Lord Ram, kicks off row

Mumbai: Congress leader Nana Patole kicked off a political controversy on Thursday when he compared former party chief Rahul Gandhi to Lord Ram. The remarks drew a sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which termed the incident as an indication of “sycophancy pro max”. 

What did Nana Patole say?

While responding to questions about Rahul Gandhi not visiting the newly constructed Ram Temple in Ayodhya since its inauguration, Nana Patole stated that the Congress scion was “doing the work of Lord Ram”. Patole explained that Lord Ram stood for justice for the oppressed and deprived, a role he claimed Rahul Gandhi is fulfilling today.

"Rahul Gandhi is working in the footsteps of Lord Shri Ram. The way the people of the country are suffering today, the role that Lord Shri Ram played in giving justice to the oppressed and suffering people at that time, Rahul Gandhi is doing the same work,” he told the media.

 “I don't want to equate them; God is God, and we are human beings. If Rahul Gandhi is working for the oppressed and suffering, working for the farmers, working for the country, working for the constitution, talking about Ram Rajya, then there is nothing wrong with that. When Rahul Gandhi goes to Ayodhya, he will have darshan of Ram Lalla. When Rajiv Gandhi was the Prime Minister of the country, he unlocked the gates of Ram Lalla's temple and performed the Bhoomi Pujan (groundbreaking ceremony). We have our faith and devotion, and we bow our heads there,” he added.

How did the BJP respond?

The BJP has reacted strongly to Patole's comments comparing Rahul Gandhi to Lord Rama, describing it as an insult to Hinduism. BJP leaders are mocking the Congress party, which had previously questioned the very existence of Rama, for now resorting to praising Rama for political gain.

Reacting strongly to the Congress leader’s remarks, BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla said the Congress was engaging in excessive sycophancy while simultaneously disrespecting Hindu beliefs.

“Once again, the Congress Party has crossed all limits of sycophancy by claiming Rahul Gandhi is like Lord Ram. Earlier, they credited Sonia Gandhi for the Christmas celebrations. This is the same Congress that opposed the Ram Mandir and mocked the Pran Pratishtha as ‘naach gaana’,” Poonawalla told the media.

BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan also slammed Patole, calling his remarks an "unforgivable and grievous insult" to the faith of millions of devotees. He also questioned whether Patole would ask Rahul Gandhi why he had allegedly mocked the Ram Temple consecration ceremony or why he had not visited the shrine so far.