UP Congress Protests, Accuses PM Modi of Insulting Sanatan Dharma Over Hanuman Kite at Ahmedabad Festival

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee staged a strong protest in Lucknow on Tuesday, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of insulting Sanatan Dharma. The protest was triggered by the flying of a kite bearing an image of Lord Hanuman during the International Kite Festival 2026 at Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad.

Allegations by Congress

The Congress alleged that displaying Lord Hanuman as a kite in front of foreign dignitaries is a gross disrespect to Ram devotees and Sanatan traditions. In Kanpur, party workers recited the Hanuman Chalisa at Kalibari temple in protest.

Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai stated that workers intended to perform the Hanuman Chalisa at Dakshin Mukhi Hanuman Temple in Hazratganj for the PM’s spiritual well-being. However, police prevented them from reaching the temple, effectively barricading the Congress office. In response, Rai and party leaders recited the Hanuman Chalisa near the barricades outside the office.

Strong Statements

Ajay Rai sharply criticized the Prime Minister, noting that while Modi has previously referred to himself as the guardian of Lord Ram, now Lord Hanuman is being flown as a kite. He accused the BJP of claiming to be the custodian of Hinduism, while their actions continue to insult Sanatan Dharma.

Congress demanded a public apology from Prime Minister Modi, calling the incident evidence of an anti-Sanatan mindset. Party leaders condemned police action during the protest, asserting that peacefully expressing religious sentiments is a constitutional right, and accused the government of misusing the police to suppress dissent.

Context of the Festival

The International Kite Festival 2026 was held on 12 January at Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Riverfront, inaugurated jointly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Frederick Merz, marking the Chancellor’s first official visit to India. A special kite featuring Lord Hanuman’s image was flown during the event. The festival saw participation from 135 international kite enthusiasts from 50 countries, 65 kite flyers from across India, and 871 local participants from Gujarat.

The protest in Lucknow underscores the sensitive intersection of politics, religion, and cultural symbolism in India, highlighting how public events can trigger strong reactions from political parties.