Hindu Leaders For Apology From Rahul On Dronacharya-Eklavya Remark

New Delhi: As Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi compared the actions of the BJP-led government to the tale of Dronacharya and Eklavya, several religious criticised him and said the Congress leader was a 'Rashtra Virodhi' (anti-national) and 'Hindu Virodhi (anti-Hindu)'.

Gandhi on Saturday claimed that the Modi-led government was "chopping the thumb of the youth of the country," drawing a parallel to the story where Dronacharya allegedly cut off Eklavya's thumb. The statement has drawn sharp criticism from several religious leaders, who are now calling for strict action and an apology from Gandhi.

Mahamandaleshwar Rupendra Prakash Maharaj of Shri Panchayati Akhara Bada Udasin con-demned Gandhi’s remark, stating that it misrepresents the historical and cultural significance of the Eklavya story.

He said, “Rahul Gandhi has distorted the facts of this story. In the Mahabharata, Eklavya do-nates his thumb to Dronacharya as Guru Dakshina, a symbol of respect and devotion, not an act of injustice. This episode highlights the greatness of the Guru-Shishya tradition, not any form of atrocity."

Maharaj also accused Gandhi of repeatedly attacking Hindu society while refraining from com-menting on Islam, claiming he avoids criticism of the Muslim community due to fear of backlash. "His statement about the Eklavya episode is a clear attack on Sanatan Dharma and an insult to its symbols and values," he added.

“Rahul Gandhi must apologise publicly and understand the true meaning of the Mahabharata and Ramayana before making such statements. He should study these texts to grasp the importance of the Guru-Shishya relationship.” Other religious leaders also voiced their disapproval.

Kamal Nayan Das called Gandhi 'a fool' for his misunderstanding of the Eklavya story, and la-belled him as 'Hindu Virodhi' and 'Rashtra Virodhi'. Das demanded strict action against Gandhi for his remarks.