Samajwadi Party MP Afzal Ansari created a stir in political circles by extending rare praise to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat while simultaneously sharpening his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Speaking in Gazipur after a review meeting on the district’s power supply, Ansari endorsed Bhagwat’s recent remarks that called for unity and harmony in the country.
Ansari said that Bhagwat’s appeal to end hatred and promote brotherhood was not only timely but also much needed. He welcomed the RSS chief’s stance and urged other religious leaders to draw inspiration from it. “Mohan Bhagwat said that the country needs unity and brotherhood, and the business of hatred should stop. This is welcome, and I appreciate him. Other religious leaders should also take a lesson,” he stated.
The SP leader highlighted that no organisation represents Hinduism globally on the scale that the RSS does. He referred to Bhagwat’s remark against unnecessary disputes over religious places, such as looking for Shivlings in every shrine, and insisted that it was a powerful message that deserved serious attention. “If its chief says that looking for a Shivling in every temple and shrine will weaken the country, then this statement should be taken seriously. I welcome his words, and others should also welcome his positive message,” he added.
Ansari also emphasised the historical presence of Islam in India, drawing attention to Bhagwat’s acknowledgement of the same. According to him, Islam has long been a part of India’s cultural and religious fabric. “Islam is not a new religion; it has been in India for a very long time, and Mohan Bhagwat has made this truth clear,” he pointed out.
However, Ansari did not hold back his criticism of Modi and Yogi, shifting his tone from appreciation to attack. He mocked their personal lives, noting that neither the prime minister nor the chief minister had families. “The master sitting in Delhi has no family, and the one sitting in Uttar Pradesh also has no family,” he said, drawing chuckles when SP MLA Jai Kishan Sahu interjected with, “they are trying.” Ansari quickly retorted that he was talking about “licensed families,” adding that it was their “misfortune” that they had no children.
Continuing with his jibe, Ansari even invoked Chanakya to strengthen his point about leaders without families while contrasting it with his own seven generations. His remarks, though controversial, showcased his mix of satire and sharp political attack.
On a broader political note, Ansari expressed strong support for RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, backing him as the INDIA bloc’s chief ministerial candidate in Bihar. He said SP chief Akhilesh Yadav’s “Awadh and Magadh” statement reflected the political reality and added, “There is no doubt that Tejashwi will be the Chief Minister in Bihar this time.” When asked why Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s name was not considered, Ansari brushed it aside with a brief response: “Let it be. He is a big leader.”
The unusual combination of praise for the RSS chief and scathing criticism of BJP leaders has drawn widespread attention, with many interpreting Ansari’s remarks as both a political strategy and a pointed commentary on the current political climate. His statements have not only triggered debates but also highlighted the unpredictable intersections of ideology and rivalry in Indian politics.
