Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath publicly criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over Gandhi’s recent remarks about the Manusmriti, accusing him of insulting India’s traditions and heritage and of provoking youth.

According to reports, Yogi made the remarks while speaking at a public programme in Raebareli on 24 August 2026. He said Rahul, as Leader of Opposition, had taken an oath on the Constitution but nonetheless 'considers it his birthright to denounce/disparage India's traditions and heritage', and suggested Rahul should study texts such as the Atharvaveda, Shatapatha Brahmana and the Matsya Purana to 'understand Manu'.

News reports described Yogi’s statements as a reaction to Rahul Gandhi’s earlier remarks at a student event in Pune (described by sources as occurring on the preceding Saturday). At that event, Rahul was reported to have quoted a verse from the Manusmriti, criticised its prescription for women and said women 'belong to themselves' and should 'break free' from the Manusmriti mindset.

Other BJP-aligned figures and Hindu organisations were reported to have criticised Rahul’s Manusmriti remarks; for example, BJP state leaders were reported as calling the Pune event a 'political comedy show' and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) was reported to have publicly challenged Rahul for quoting a single verse and accused him of putting Hindu society 'in the dock'.