“Organised Islamist and Evangelist Attacks on Hindutva Voices Abroad Through USCIRF Are Very Unfortunate”

Foreign Attack on Hindutva Voices Unfortunate: Uttarakhand BJP Chief Mahendra Bhatt.

Soham Pandey | HENB | Dehradun | May 28, 2026:: Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha)  and Uttarakhand BJP State President Mahendra Bhatt on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), condemning a recent hearing in the United States that allegedly targeted prominent Indian leaders associated with Hindutva ideology. Calling the development “unfortunate” and “politically motivated,” Bhatt said foreign platforms were being misused to malign leaders who openly advocate for Hindu culture, Sanatan traditions and national interests.

The USCIRF Report 2026, highlighting “Religious Minorities in India Suffer Escalating Attacks,” was earlier condemned by both the RSS-VHP and the Government of India for exaggerated content and baseless allegations aimed at demeaning Hindus and the ruling BJP government in India.

Addressing the media here on Wednesday, Bhatt said that whenever India speaks confidently about its civilisation, religious heritage and cultural identity, certain groups outside the country become uncomfortable. According to him, the hearing held in America reflected a deliberate attempt to undermine leaders who have consistently defended India’s cultural ethos and constitutional values.

Bhatt specifically referred to activist Raqib Ahmad Naik, who reportedly demanded restrictions against Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during the hearing. He also objected to criticism directed at organisations such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Bajrang Dal and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP).

Questioning the intent behind such criticism, Bhatt said it was disturbing that protecting one’s land, temples, culture and identity was being portrayed as a crime on international platforms. He argued that the discomfort among certain groups stemmed from the growing confidence of Hindu society in openly asserting its identity and rights.

Bhatt also condemned the nexus of Islamists and Evangelists who are active in USCIRF to malign the image of India and its Hindutva forces, aiming to disrupt the natural social harmony in India enshrined in “unity in diversity.”

Defending the three chief ministers, Bhatt highlighted what he described as their decisive governance measures in their respective states. He said Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has taken strong positions on issues such as the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), action against illegal encroachments and measures to curb unlawful religious conversions.

Referring to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Bhatt stated that the state government has acted firmly against organised crime, mafia networks and extremism, thereby strengthening the rule of law and creating fear among criminal elements.

On Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Bhatt said the leader has consistently raised concerns regarding illegal infiltration and demographic imbalance, issues which he claimed are directly linked to national security and social stability.

Bhatt asserted that any attempt to suppress or target what he termed the “voice of Hindutva” would face strong opposition from nationalist forces across the country. He further alleged that individuals and groups unable to gain public trust within India’s democratic framework were resorting to international forums to tarnish the country’s image.

According to Bhatt, the issue extends beyond criticism of three individual chief ministers. He said the real target was the ideological framework that connects India to its civilisational roots, cultural traditions and Sanatan values. He maintained that as India becomes more united in protecting its cultural heritage, resistance from ideological opponents, both domestic and foreign, is likely to intensify.

The remarks come amid continuing debates over religious freedom, cultural identity and political discourse in India, subjects that have increasingly attracted attention from international rights bodies and advocacy groups. While critics of Hindutva politics often raise concerns over minority rights and constitutional protections, BJP leaders maintain that their policies are aimed at preserving India’s cultural identity and ensuring equal laws and governance for all citizens.

The controversy surrounding the USCIRF hearing has once again brought into focus the broader debate over international commentary on India’s internal political and religious affairs, with BJP leaders accusing foreign institutions of selective scrutiny and ideological bias.
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_Agency Inputs.