Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has condemned Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge’s remarks regarding BJP leaders taking a holy dip at the Sangam in Prayagraj, accusing him of holding an “anti-Sanatan mentality.” Sarma also suggested that Kharge’s comments reflected the views of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

In a tweet, Sarma urged Hindu leaders within Congress to rise above political considerations and follow their conscience. He also pointed out that Congress president Sonia Gandhi herself had participated in the Kumbh Mela in 2001, questioning the consistency of the party’s position on religious practices.

Sarma further challenged whether Congress leaders would ever criticize other religious practices, such as the Hajj pilgrimage, asking if such acts should be viewed as detrimental to public welfare.