At the ‘Samvidhan Bachao Sammelan’ in Mumbai, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a critique against BJP leaders, highlighting their use of religious symbolism in politics. Kharge remarked, “Many leaders present themselves as ‘sadhus’ and have become politicians. Some have even become chief ministers. They wear saffron (‘gerua’) robes and are bald... I would say to the BJP, either wear white clothes, or if you are a ‘sanyasi’ in saffron, then stay out of politics. On one hand, they wear saffron, and on the other, they say divisive things. They are spreading hatred among people and creating divides.”

In response, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticized Kharge’s statements, asserting that they reflect an "anti-Hindu and anti-Sanatan" stance. Poonawalla stated, “This is the true philosophy of Congress—opposing Hindu symbols while never questioning other faiths. Congress has previously referred to ‘saffron terrorism’ and ‘Hindu terror.’ Such statements show that Congress is willing to hurt Hindu sentiments for votes, labeling certain statements as communal while considering their own actions as secular.”

The exchange underscores a continued divide between the two parties, with both Congress and BJP defending their interpretations of secularism and communalism in Indian politics.