On June 19, 2024, Congress workers in Lucknow marked the 54th birthday of party leader Rahul Gandhi with a unique tribute. They offered Gangajal (holy water from the Ganges), milk, and rose petals to a photograph of Gandhi styled as Lord Parshuram, an avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu.
Ritual at the Congress Office
The event took place at the state Congress headquarters in Lucknow, where party members gathered to perform the ritual. The photo depicted Rahul Gandhi holding a bow and arrow, reminiscent of the warrior sage Parshuram. Workers chanted hymns and applied tilak on the image before pouring Gangajal and milk over it, followed by a shower of rose petals.
Political Significance
This gesture is seen as an attempt to highlight Rahul Gandhi's Brahmin lineage, as Parshuram is traditionally considered a Brahmin avatar. The Congress party has been striving to consolidate its Brahmin vote bank in Uttar Pradesh, a key state in national elections. According to local Congress leader Ramesh Chandra, "This is a way to connect with our cultural roots and show respect to Lord Parshuram, who represents the ideals of justice and equality."
Reactions and Criticism
The event drew mixed reactions. Some supporters praised the creativity, while critics accused the Congress of politicizing religious symbols. BJP spokesperson Harish Chandra Srivastava remarked, "This is a desperate attempt by the Congress to gain political mileage by appropriating Hindu iconography. Rahul Gandhi has never shown such devotion before."
Background
Rahul Gandhi, born on June 19, 1970, is the son of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. He has served as the president of the Indian National Congress and is currently a Member of Parliament from Wayanad, Kerala. The Parshuram-styled photo was first released by the Congress party in 2022 during the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' to counter allegations that Gandhi was anti-Hindu.
