Jammu: BJP Spokesperson and Convenor, International Affairs, J&K, Gaurav Gupta, has strongly hit back at Congress leader Priyank Kharge over his remarks targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in a ‘Bhajan Clubbing’ event in New Delhi.
Gupta said the Congress’ attempt to ridicule a contemporary devotional gathering reflects a disconnect with India’s civilisational heritage and the changing aspirations of the country’s youth.
“Instead of appreciating a new generation discovering bhajans, spirituality and Indian culture in a contemporary format, the Congress is busy mocking it. This is not merely an attack on Prime Minister Modi; it reflects a disturbing tendency to ridicule the very traditions that have sustained India’s cultural identity for centuries,” Gupta said.
Prime Minister Modi attended the event at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Park on September 25, where devotional music was presented in a modern, concert-style format. The format has gained attention particularly among younger audiences, and Modi had previously spoken about the trend as a meeting point between devotion, culture, spirituality and modernity.
Gupta said the response of young Indians to such events should be viewed in the context of a wider search for meaning, identity and positive alternatives to harmful influences.
“Today’s youth wants choices beyond drugs, substance abuse, violence and other destructive influences. Young Indians are exploring yoga, meditation, spirituality, devotional music and their cultural roots. Instead of encouraging this positive engagement, the Congress gang chooses to mock it,” he said.
He added that modernity and spirituality are not contradictory.
“Why does the Congress believe that a young Indian must choose between modernity and tradition? India’s youth can embrace technology, innovation and global culture while remaining deeply connected to its own civilisational roots. Bhajan Clubbing is simply one contemporary expression of that connection,” Gupta said.
Taking a swipe at Priyank Kharge, Gupta said that political criticism should not cross the line into mockery of India’s traditions.
“If Congress wants to question the Prime Minister on governance or public policy, it is free to do so. But turning bhajan and bhakti into a political punchline exposes a deeper disconnect with the sentiments of millions of Indians,” Gupta said.
Gupta also said that the growing participation of young people in devotional and cultural programmes demonstrates that spirituality is finding new forms of expression among the younger generation.
“India is witnessing a generation that is confident about its identity. They can listen to global music and sing bhajans, use artificial intelligence and practise meditation, build startups and remain connected to their traditions. This is the India of today,” he said.
Calling upon the Congress to “stop looking at every expression of Indian culture through a political lens,” Gupta said:
“You may disagree with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on politics, but mocking bhajan, bhakti and the spiritual choices of young Indians will not make India’s heritage disappear. India’s traditions are far bigger than political parties, and the youth of India will decide how they carry those traditions into the future.”
