Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Pradeep Bhandari launched a strong criticism of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday, following his remarks on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. According to ANI, Bhandari accused Congress of adopting an "anti-Hindu" stance, claiming that the party objects to all things associated with `Sanatana Dharma`.

In an interview with ANI, Bhandari specifically referenced Kharge’s past language, such as his use of terms like "saffron terrorism" during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) administration, arguing this reflects a longstanding hostility. "Mallikarjun Kharge harbours hatred towards Sanatana Dharma and dislikes saffron," Bhandari stated, "which is why he used terms like saffron terrorism when Congress was in power. Congress has an issue with everything tied to Sanatana Dharma."