Modi's Gita Gift to Putin: CPI(M) Leader Warns of Hindu Nation Agenda

CPI(M) leader Hannan Mollah has sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to present a Russian translation of the Bhagavad Gita to President Vladimir Putin. Mollah suggests the gesture is less about diplomacy and more about promoting a Hindu nationalist vision for India. He argues that Modi's interpretation of Hindutva is communal, contrasting it with the Gita's actual teachings of peace. Meanwhile, PM Modi hailed the longstanding friendship between India and Russia, describing it as a constant "pole star" through decades of global turmoil.

Key Points: Hannan Mollah Criticizes Modi's Gita Presentation to Putin

  • CPI(M) leader Hannan Mollah criticizes PM Modi's gift of a Russian Gita to Putin
  • Mollah claims the act showcases the foundation of a desired Hindu nation
  • He distinguishes between the Gita's peaceful teachings and Modi's communal interpretation
  • PM Modi presented the book, calling it a global source of inspiration
  • Modi praised enduring India-Russia ties as a "pole star" amid global changes
3 min read

PM Modi wants to create Hindu nation, so showcasing its foundations, says Hannan Mollah on Gita for Putin

CPI(M) leader Hannan Mollah claims PM Modi's gift of the Bhagavad Gita to Vladimir Putin is part of an effort to establish India as a Hindu nation.

"He wants to create a Hindu nation, so he has to show what the foundation of Hindutva is. - Hannan Mollah"

New Delhi, Dec 5

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a copy of the Bhagavad Gita to Russian President Vladimir Putin, CPI(M) leader Hannan Mollah on Friday stated that the PM wants to make the country a Hindu nation, hence feels the necessity to showcase what he considers to be the foundation of Hindutva.

Speaking to IANS, Hannan Mollah said, "Whoever has something will give that. If you have tea, you will offer tea; if you have coffee, you will serve coffee. He has the Gita, so he will present the Gita. He wants to create a Hindu nation, so he has to show what the foundation of Hindutva is."

He further added, "PM Modi's Hindutva is different, and the Gita's Hindutva is different. The Gita's teachings do not promote conflict, but PM Modi's interpretation is based on communalism. Still, something has to be presented to a guest, so he has presented the Gita to him."

PM Modi on Thursday presented a Russian translation of the Bhagavad Gita to President Putin, calling the scripture a source of inspiration for people around the world.

Taking to X, the Prime Minister shared an image showing him handing over the Russian edition of the Gita to President Putin, who arrived here on Thursday evening.

"Presented a copy of the Gita in Russian to President Putin. The teachings of the Gita give inspiration to millions across the world," PM Modi wrote.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed India-Russia ties, saying that the friendship between the two countries has remained like a pole star amidst the ups and downs faced by the world in the past 80 years.

While making a joint press statement with the Russian President following their talks at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Friday, PM Modi said that the ties between the two nations have stood the test of time and thanked Putin for his friendship and unwavering commitment to India, while recalling the efforts made by the Russian leadership to elevate bilateral ties.

"Today, I am delighted to welcome President Putin to the 23rd India-Russia Summit. His visit comes at a time when our bilateral relations are experiencing several historic milestones. 25 years ago, President Putin laid the foundation for our strategic partnership. 15 years ago, in 2010, our partnership was granted the status of a Special Privileged Strategic Partnership. For the past two and a half decades, he (President Putin) has nurtured this relationship with his leadership and vision.

"His (President Putin) leadership, under all circumstances, has elevated our ties to new heights. I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Putin, my friend, for this deep friendship and unwavering commitment to India. The world has seen many ups and downs over the past eight decades. Humanity has faced many challenges and crises, and amidst all this, the India-Russia friendship has remained like a pole star. This relationship, founded on mutual respect and deep trust, has always stood the test of time," he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone living in India for work, I see this differently. Gifting a book of wisdom is a common diplomatic gesture. Many countries gift their cultural artifacts. The criticism feels like it's missing the point of strengthening international ties.
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Vikram M
Hannan Mollah's statement is unfortunate. The Gita's message of dharma and duty is universal. When PM Modi gifts it, he is sharing India's philosophical heritage, not making a communal statement. Our culture is our soft power, we should celebrate it.
P
Priya S
While I support showcasing our culture, I respectfully disagree with how it's sometimes framed. The Gita belongs to all humanity. Leaders should be careful that such gestures are seen as inclusive of all Indians, not just one community. The intent matters.
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Rohit P
Bas yaar, can we not just take it as a nice gesture between two friends? Putin is a guest, you give a gift. The Gita is a masterpiece. Over-analysis zaroori nahi hai. Focus on the strong India-Russia relationship, that's the real news.
K
Kavya N
The tea and coffee analogy is so simplistic! Diplomacy is complex. Sharing a translated Gita promotes Indian literature and thought globally. It's about cultural exchange, which is vital for any nation's image. Well done!

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