Acharya Pramod Krishnam, expelled from the Congress earlier this year, launched a sharp attack on Rahul Gandhi over his visit to the Janaki Mandir in Nepal.
In a pointed remark on social media, the spiritual leader accused Gandhi of double standards for declining the invitation to the consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya while choosing to visit another shrine linked to the epic Ramayana.
Taking to X, Acharya Pramod posted, “You will reject the “invitation” to the Ram Mandir, and go to the Janaki Mandir, you won’t win with this “hypocrisy.” @RahulGandhi”
राम मन्दिर के “निमंत्रण”
को ठुकराओगे,
और जानकी मन्दिर जाओगे,
इस “पाखण्ड” से जीत नहीं पाओगे. @RahulGandhi— Acharya Pramod (@AcharyaPramodk) August 28, 2025
The remark was widely interpreted as a direct criticism not only of Gandhi’s personal choices but also of the Congress’s broader stance on religious symbolism in politics.
Acharya Pramod, who once contested elections on a Congress ticket and was close to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, has increasingly distanced himself from the party since his expulsion.
Political Backlash
Rahul Gandhi’s temple visits have frequently sparked debate, with critics questioning the timing and intent behind them.
The latest comments by Acharya Pramod have added fuel to the controversy, with many suggesting that the remarks reflect a larger disenchantment among traditional Congress supporters.
BJP leaders amplified the tweet, accusing the Congress of trying to appear neutral on matters of faith while maintaining what they described as a ‘hypocritical’ political posture.
Some party workers shared the tweet widely, pointing to the symbolism of refusing Ayodhya’s invitation but embracing Janakpur’s shrine.
The Ram Mandir’s pran pratishtha ceremony in January had drawn leaders across the political spectrum, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the consecration.
Rahul Gandhi, however, along with the Congress leadership, declined the invitation, calling the event ‘politicised’.
Acharya Pramod’s intervention once again brought the Congress’s stance into the spotlight, highlighting the delicate balance it attempts to maintain between secular commitments and religious sensitivities.
Political observers believe such criticisms could deepen the challenges faced by the party in regions where cultural identity and religious sentiment strongly influence electoral outcomes.
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