Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar dropped a bombshell at a packed debate here, calling Hindutva Hinduism gripped by paranoia and sparking an instant political storm. Speaking at The Debate 2026 hosted by the Calcutta Debating Circle, the veteran politician argued that ancient Hinduism never needed such a defensive shield to survive threats over centuries.

The event at the iconic Calcutta Club pitted top voices against each other on whether Hinduism Needs Protection From Hindutva. Aiyar shared the stage with TMC firebrand Mahua Moitra, BJPs Sudhanshu Trivedi, and lawyer J. Sai Deepak. He traced Hindutvas roots to V.D. Savarkars 1923 writings, portraying it as a fear-fueled ideology that makes Indias Hindu majority quiver before minorities. Citing recent flashpoints—like attacks on a tribal girl for attending a Christmas lunch or raids over mall Christmas decor—Aiyar contrasted this with Gandhis non-violence and Vivekanandas inclusive vision.

BJP leaders pounced immediately. Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla branded Aiyars words an insult to Sanatan Dharma, comparing Congresss logic to labeling Islamism as true Islam while calling Hindutva extreme. He pointed to the Supreme Courts view of Hindutva as a way of life, not mere politics. Sudhanshu Trivedi, fresh off the debate, questioned why Hinduism alone gets slapped with an ism unlike other faiths, calling it a deliberate attack on Hindu essence. Pradeep Bhandari accused Congress of splitting Hindu votes to woo minorities, a familiar election playbook.

This clash revives Aiyars history of headline-grabbing remarks—from his neech aadmi dig at PM Modi to past Pakistan comments. It spotlights Indias ongoing tussle over faith and politics: Savarkars cultural nationalism born from partition-era fears versus critics view of it as divisive today. With elections on the horizon, expect this firestorm to burn brighter.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.