Row over Rahul Gandhi's 'religion' after visit to Somnath Temple

A new controversy erupted after Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi's visit to the Somnath temple in Gujarat.

The controversy emerged after a picture was circulated showing Rahul Gandhi's signature in a register that recordsthe entry of "non-Hindus"in the temple.

The entry was reportedly made by his media coordinator Manoj Tiwari. The name of veteran Congress leader Ahmed Patel was also included in the register, a media report stated.

Congress leader Randeep S Surejwala issued a clarification saying that Rahul Gandhi signed only the visitor's book.

He said: " Rahulji made an entry into the visitor's book. The signature which is being talked of is different, neither it is Rahul Gandhi nor was the register ever given to him."

He further said that Rahul Gandhi is not only a Hindu, he is a "janeudhari" Hindu.

Another Congress leader Deependra Hooda showed a picture of the "original signature" of Rahul Gandhi. He said: "The other signature was written as Rahul Gandhi ji, why would he write ji?"

Hitting out at Rahul Gandhi, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said, "For Rahul Gandhi and Congress religion is a matter of convenience and not devotion. Rahul Gandhi must answer this."

Patraadded: "They say this is a conspiracy but we say Congress is a conspiracy. The tip of the iceberg of their conspiracy is visible today. There is no conspiracy by anyone. You are a sinner, sin is yours. Rahul Gandhi must say who he actually is."

During his last visit to the poll-bound state earlier in November, the Congress leader had visitedthe SwaminarayanAkshardhamtemplein Gandhinagar. He had also visited Ambajitemple.