VHP, saints slam Kharge’s saffron remarks, accuse Congress of attacking Hinduism and Sanatan Dharma

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's recent remarks about saffron clothing have ignited intense reactions from religious groups and Hindu organizations across India. Kharge’s statement, which was interpreted as derogatory towards the Hindu religion, particularly the use of saffron attire by Hindu saints, has drawn severe condemnation from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), the All India Sant Samiti, and other prominent religious leaders. Swami Jitendranand Saraswati, General Secretary of the Sant Samiti, called Kharge's comments "disgraceful" and labeled the Congress Party as the "All India Church Committee," a move to emphasize his belief that the party was undermining Hindu traditions and values.

Kharge’s remarks centered around saffron attire, which is traditionally worn by Hindu ascetics, monks, and leaders, most notably those associated with the Hindu spiritual movement. Saffron has long been a symbol of sacrifice, asceticism, and spiritual wisdom. Swami Jitendranand Saraswati responded to this by pointing out the historical integration of religion with politics in India, stating that governance has always been guided by religious authority. He noted that when Kharge was still a child, Mahant Digvijay Nath, a prominent religious leader of Gorakh Peeth, was actively involved in politics as a Member of Parliament. Swami Saraswati emphasized that this integration of religion and politics continues to be a defining characteristic of India’s political system, and that Kharge’s remarks ignored this important legacy.

Jagadguru Jiyar Swami Karpatri Ji Maharaj further escalated the dispute by commenting on the symbolism of the word “Kharge,” which he pointed out is derived from “Kharg,” meaning sword. He contrasted this with the meaning of the term “Yogi,” which signifies unity and connection, as opposed to destruction. Swami Karpatri suggested that Kharge’s comments, and the Congress Party’s stance, were indicative of a broader attack on Hinduism and the saint community. He emphasized that without the active concern of spiritual leaders for the nation’s welfare, no real progress could be made. Quoting from the Ramcharitmanas, he underlined the importance of saints in protecting the nation and ensuring its moral and spiritual health.

The VHP and other Hindu organizations have strongly demanded an apology from the Congress Party, calling for Kharge to retract his statement. They have warned that further attacks on Hindu traditions will be met with strong opposition, and that religious groups will not remain silent in the face of what they see as an attack on their beliefs. In response to the controversy, various religious leaders have reiterated the need for political parties to respect India’s diverse religious heritage and avoid statements that could deepen divisions between religious communities.