Spokesperson: Dr. Ragini Nayak: She expressed grave concern over the mainstreaming of the hate mongering through hate speeches, which was no longer restricted to fringe elements.

The Congress today took strong exception to the Union Ministry of Culture funding an event in December where hate speeches were made openly against the Muslim community.

Referring to the particular event, Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsava, organised by Sanatan Sanstha in Bharat Mandapam, Delhi, Dr. Basoya said that it was funded by the Union Culture Ministry, which paid Rs. 63 lakhs for it. The same was revealed in RTI!

The Congress spokesperson revealed that Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Sripad Nayak, Sanjay Seth and Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra also attended the event.

She asked why the Government of India needed to give Rs 63 lakhs to such an organisation for such a programme. “Does the Prime Minister want polarisation?” she asked, while demanding an answer from him.

Pointing towards the double standards of Prime Minister Modi, she said while on the one hand he hugs the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, on the other hand Muslims are victimised in the country under his nose.

Dr Basoya demanded that the government should bring in a “preventive legislation” against hate speech in the country, which should prevent the use of divisive and polarising words. Wednesday, February 18, 2026