Trouble is mounting for Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his Manusmriti remarks, with Supreme Court lawyer Nazia Khan filing a complaint against him. Khan accused Gandhi of selectively quoting the ancient text and creating a misleading impression. Gandhi had cited a passage from Manusmriti at the Chhatron Ki Goonj programme while speaking about women’s identity, freedom and right to define themselves.
Khan also questioned Gandhi over photographs displayed in the background during the programme. She specifically referred to photographs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. “I acknowledge that everyone has the freedom of speech and fundamental rights. He was saying whatever he pleased, but why did he display the photographs of the PM and the respected CM Yogi Adityanath in the background?
Her complaint comes after Gandhi’s remarks at the student-focused Chhatron Ki Goonj programme on August 22, where he referred to Manusmriti while discussing the status and identity of women.
Speaking to ANI, Khan said she respects the right to freedom of speech but maintained that the text should not be presented selectively. She also said that she recites both the Kalma and the Shahada and takes pride in singing Vande Mataram. “The way the Manusmriti has been defamed by him, by picking out a single chapter and twisting the words, attempts to create a false impression,” Khan said. Gandhi had the right to express his views but should explain why the photographs were displayed while he was making his comments on Manusmriti, according to Khan. Why did he display the photograph of Mohan Bhagwat?” she said.
Khan on BJP government’s stand
“Since the BJP government came to power, has the Prime Minister ever stated that everyone must read or follow the Manusmriti? And when I sing ‘Vande Mataram’, I feel immense pride in myself–even though I am a Khan.
He will have to answer for why he did this,” she said. Earlier reporting noted: Speaking to ANI, Khan said, “I recite both the Kalma and the Shahada. Earlier reporting noted: Khan said she respected Gandhi’s right to freedom of speech but questioned his decision to display photographs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi , Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in the background during the programme.
Earlier reporting noted: GHAZIABAD: A Supreme Court lawyer, Nazia Khan, has filed a complaint over Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on the Manusmriti during a recent student programme.
