GANDHINAGAR: Reacting to the controversy,

spokesperson

said, “Rahul Gandhi is a Hindu Brahmin. The entry naming Ahmed Patel and

as non-Hindu is a

conspiracy.

Congress media coordinator

was asked to sign on an empty page to facilitate media entry into the temple. Later, his handwriting was copied by some miscreants to make an entry that raises doubts over Gandhi’s faith.

is a ‘janeu-dhari’ (wearing the sacred thread).”

Congress said Rahul Gandhi’s purported signature in a register meant for non-Hindus at Somnath temple was “fake” and stressed that he was a “devout Hindu” and a strong “Shiv bhakt”. Congress spokesman Deependra Hooda said Rahul never signed the register for non-Hindus and accused the BJP of diverting people’s attention from “real issues”.

Showing a copy of the visitor’s book to reporters, Hooda said, “Here is the original signature of Rahul Gandhi at Somnath temple. Very clearly, the other signature is written as ‘Rahul Gandhiji’.

Why would he write ji? Don’t know who wrote it. BJP is doing what it does best, diverting from real issues.” He further said, “BJP’s intentions stand exposed today. Even Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani has conceded that their party is in bad shape (for polls).”