Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand has excommunicated Rahul Gandhi from Hinduism for his remarks on Manusmriti. The decision was taken after Gandhi failed to respond or apologize.
Lucknow/Badrinath: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has once again found himself embroiled in controversy. This time, the reaction is extremely sharp and gravely viewed from a religious perspective. Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati of Jyotirmath has announced the excommunication of Rahul Gandhi from Hinduism. He stated that Gandhi's remarks on Manusmriti in Parliament have hurt the sentiments of the entire Sanatan society.
Controversial Statement on Manusmriti
Swami Avimukteshwaranand said that Rahul Gandhi's comments on Manusmriti in Parliament were not only inappropriate but also amounted to an insult to Hindu scriptures. Gandhi had said in Parliament, "The formula to protect rapists is not in the Constitution, but in your book, Manusmriti." This statement has caused deep resentment among followers of Sanatan Dharma.
Prior Notice Issued, No Response Received
The Shankaracharya informed that a notice was sent to Rahul Gandhi three months ago seeking clarification on the matter. He was asked to explain what in Manusmriti led him to make the statement in Parliament. However, no response was received from Gandhi, nor did he offer an apology.
"No Longer to be Allowed to Worship in Temples"—Shankaracharya's Appeal to Priests
Swami Avimukteshwaranand stated that when an individual repeatedly insults religious scriptures and avoids responding, they cease to be entitled to call themselves a Hindu. He has also appealed to priests not to allow Rahul Gandhi to perform religious rituals in temples.
