'Chhath Puja not drama': BJP accuses Rahul of disrespecting Hindu festivals

NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his past remarks on Chhath Puja, accusing him of disrespecting Hindu sentiments and demanding a public apology. The attack came on the second day of the Chhath Puja festival, with BJP leader Pradeep Bhandari leading the criticism by sharing a video of Rahul's remarks from last year's celebrations. In a post on X, Bhandari said, "Nation is bowing down and praying to Chhathi Maiyya and is celebrating the festival of Chhath Puja! It was exactly a year ago during Chhath Puja in 2025 , that Rahul Gandhi called "Chhath Puja" a Drama!"

Questioning the Congress's respect for Hindu sentiments, Bhandari asked, "If Congress party respects Hindu sentiments & People of Bihar." He further demanded that Rahul issue a public apology for his remarks, saying, "Will Rahul Gandhi who makes video on everything under the sun, Make a public video Apologising for his remarks calling "Chhath Puja" a Drama? It has been a Year and there has been no apology!" "Rahul Gandhi always has problem with Hindu festivals!" he added.

The BJP leader's remarks came a day after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray accused the BJP of pursuing a "divide and rule" strategy over Chhath Puja. In a post on X, Thackeray alleged that the BJP and the social media ecosystem it had nurtured were making efforts to create discord in Maharashtra by circulating reels related to Chhath Puja. He also objected to what he described as "cultural aggression" in the name of the festival.