Congress defends Rahul Gandhi over Ram Mandir skit FIR, cites selective memory on donations
The Congress party on Saturday came out in strong defence of its leader Rahul Gandhi after an FIR was registered against him in connection with a skit performed during a rally, allegedly mocking the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony. The party responded with a sharp counter, accusing the government of selective memory when it comes to donations collected for the temple trust.
According to police sources, the FIR was filed following a complaint by a local functionary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who alleged that the skit, enacted during a Congress rally in [city], insulted the sentiments of millions of devotees of Lord Ram. The complaint claimed that Gandhi had "deliberately ridiculed the Pran Pratishtha ceremony" held at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya in January 2024.
Responding to the legal action, Congress spokespersons launched a counterattack, saying the government should first answer questions about the alleged mishandling of donations meant for the Ram Mandir construction. "The Government forgets when donations are stolen. They are quick to file FIRs against those who question them, but remain silent on the corrupt practices within the temple trust," a senior Congress leader said on condition of anonymity.
The Congress defence comes amid a political showdown over the Ram Mandir issue. The temple, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a grand ceremony, has become a central theme in the ongoing election cycle. Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly raised questions about the management of the temple trust and the utilisation of funds donated by millions of devotees.
In a separate statement, the party's official spokesperson issued a press note, stating: "Rahul Gandhi has not committed any offence. The skit was a legitimate exercise of free expression, symbolically critiquing the nexus between religion and politics. The BJP's attempt to muzzle dissent by invoking legal provisions is an insult to democracy."
On the other side, the BJP refuted the allegations, insisting that the FIR was a reflection of public sentiment. "No one has the right to insult the faith of millions. The Congress is a habitual offender when it comes to disrespecting Hindu deities. The law will take its own course," said a BJP spokesperson during a press briefing.
Legal experts note that the FIR has been registered under sections related to hurting religious sentiments and promoting enmity between groups. The police have initiated a preliminary inquiry and have not yet made any arrests. Gandhi has not been summoned for questioning so far, but sources indicate that he may be asked to appear before the investigation team within the next two weeks.
The controversy has once again brought the Ram Temple into the limelight, with political parties trading charges ahead of the upcoming national elections. While the Congress asserts that its leader has been falsely implicated, the BJP maintains that the law is being applied fairly. The case is likely to be scrutinised by the courts, which will determine the validity of the FIR and whether the artistic expression crosses the legal threshold of hate speech.
As the legal proceedings unfold, observers point out that the episode underscores the increasing politicisation of religious symbols in Indian public life. The independence of the judiciary and the protection of free speech under the Constitution will be tested in this dispute, which has already generated deep divisions across the political spectrum.
