NEW DELHI: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has launched a sharp attack on former Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari over his recent remarks concerning "Hindu right-wing communalism," accusing him of holding an anti-Hindu and radical viewpoint.

The controversy erupted following an address by Ansari at the India Islamic Cultural Centre in New Delhi. Speaking at an event to commemorate late constitutional expert and author A.G. Noorani, Ansari referred to Noorani’s 2019 book, The RSS: A Menace to India. During his speech, he cited former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's observation—documented by former foreign secretary Jagat Singh Gundevia—that the "real danger to India was not communism, but Hindu right-wing communalism". Ansari used the platform to flag what he termed emerging trends challenging civic nationalism.

Reacting sharply to the statements, VHP National Spokesperson Vinod Bansal took to social media to censure the former Vice-President. Bansal asserted that before lecturing the majority Hindu community on communalism, Ansari should evaluate his own public record.

"While serving as vice president, your presence at events linked to the PFI, and despite numerous dark stains of sabotaging national interests during your time as ambassador, today you are lecturing Hindus on communalism?" Bansal posted on X (formerly Twitter). "Remember, if Hindus were truly communal, you would not have had the audacity to make such a statement."

The VHP spokesperson also brought up Ansari’s previous stance on the Ayodhya dispute, accusing him of disagreeing with the historic Supreme Court verdict on Shri Ram Janmabhoomi. Highlighting India's long-standing tradition of religious pluralism, Bansal noted that India houses the largest number of mosques globally.

Accusing Ansari of maintaining an "anti-India and Hindu-hating mindset," the VHP leader urged him to look past historical ideological biases. "Come out of the Nehruvian, Jinnah-ite and Hindu-hating mindset and express gratitude for the position, respect, money and prestige that the country bestowed upon you. Do not be ungrateful," Bansal stated. "Next time, before lecturing others, it would be better if you looked at your own reflection in the mirror."