New Delhi: Congress leader Udit Raj was detained by Delhi Police on Tuesday after he led a protest outside the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters at Keshav Kunj in Delhi. During the demonstration, protesters burned copies of the Manusmriti and symbolic RSS uniforms while raising slogans in support of the Constitution.
The protest was organised in opposition to an FIR registered against Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in connection with the ongoing Haldwani “purification” controversy.
Udit Raj Detained During Protest
Udit Raj and other Congress workers, along with members of the Doma Parisangh confederation, gathered outside the RSS headquarters without prior notice, according to reports.
As the protest intensified, demonstrators raised slogans including “The country will run on the Indian Constitution, not the Manusmriti.” Police intervened and detained Udit Raj and several other activists, taking them to Paharganj police station.
After being detained, Raj said that he had deliberately come to the Keshav Kunj headquarters and burned the Manusmriti as a form of protest.
Why Did Congress Protest Outside RSS Headquarters?
The demonstration is linked to a growing political dispute over an alleged “purification” ritual held at a public ground in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, after a Congress rally addressed by party president Mallikarjun Kharge.
Congress leaders have alleged that the ritual was an insult to Kharge and reflected caste discrimination. The controversy escalated after an FIR was registered against Rahul Gandhi over remarks he made regarding the incident.
The Congress has strongly criticised the FIR and accused the BJP-RSS ecosystem of promoting caste-based discrimination.
Manusmriti Burned As Symbol Of Protest
During Tuesday’s demonstration, protesters burned copies of the Manusmriti and symbolic RSS clothing. They also displayed posters carrying messages rejecting the Manusmriti and supporting the Constitution.
Udit Raj invoked the legacy of Dr BR Ambedkar, who publicly burned the Manusmriti in 1927 as part of his opposition to caste-based discrimination.
Raj alleged that attempts were being made to replace the principles of the Constitution with what he described as regressive ideas associated with the Manusmriti.
Udit Raj’s Statement
After being detained, Raj said the protest was connected to what he described as the disrespect shown to Mallikarjun Kharge and the FIR against Rahul Gandhi.
He also accused the RSS and the ruling establishment of promoting ideas that he believes are against constitutional values and social equality.
The Congress leader’s remarks have added to the increasingly heated political debate surrounding caste, the Constitution and the ideological differences between the Congress and the RSS-BJP.
Police Action At Keshav Kunj
Delhi Police moved quickly after the protesters gathered outside the RSS headquarters. Additional personnel were deployed around the area as the demonstration was not announced in advance.
Udit Raj and several other protesters were taken into custody for questioning at Paharganj police station. Reports said police increased security around the RSS office following the incident.
The detention came just days after another protest by Indian Youth Congress workers outside the RSS headquarters, during which some protesters also burned pages of the Manusmriti.
Haldwani Row Continues To Escalate
The latest Delhi protest shows how the Haldwani controversy has expanded into a wider political confrontation.
Congress leaders have described the alleged purification ceremony as a caste-related insult, while those associated with the ceremony have disputed that interpretation and said the ritual was connected to cleaning the venue after a political event.
The registration of an FIR against Rahul Gandhi has further intensified the dispute, prompting Congress leaders to organise protests in support of him.
Political Battle Over Constitution And Manusmriti
The Manusmriti has become a major symbol in India’s political debate over caste and social equality. Ambedkar’s historic burning of the text in 1927 continues to be cited by Dalit and anti-caste movements.
Congress protesters have used the burning of the text to emphasise their message that India’s governance should be based on the Constitution rather than Manusmriti.
The RSS and BJP have previously rejected allegations that they seek to replace the Constitution with Manusmriti-based principles.
Key Highlights
- Who was detained? Congress leader Udit Raj
- Where? Keshav Kunj, RSS headquarters, Delhi
- What happened? Protesters burned copies of Manusmriti and symbolic RSS uniforms
- Main issue: FIR against Rahul Gandhi linked to the Haldwani “purification” controversy
- Main demand/message: Support for the Constitution and opposition to caste discrimination
- Police action: Udit Raj and several protesters were detained
- Political backdrop: Ongoing Congress-BJP/RSS confrontation over caste and the Haldwani controversy
Conclusion
The detention of Udit Raj after the Manusmriti-burning protest outside the RSS headquarters has added another flashpoint to the ongoing political dispute between the Congress and the BJP-RSS.
With the Haldwani controversy, the FIR against Rahul Gandhi and competing claims over caste discrimination continuing to generate political reactions, the issue is likely to remain a major point of confrontation in the days ahead.
