Mathura, Jan. 12 -- Spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur on Monday slammed Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's remarks on Hindutva, saying that Hindus protect their religion.

"Our scriptures say we should protect our religion. A Hindu is not scared of anyone. We all must protect our religion. All parties should ensure that Hindus, mothers, daughters, and Gau Mata feel safe. Today, Hindus are awakening," Thakur said.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders have strongly objected to Mani Shankar Aiyar's remarks, with the party accusing him and the Congress of having a "colonial mindset" and being "Hindu virodhi".

"Mani Shankar Aiyar is a British agent. He has a colonial mindset. Hindutva is inclusive. Hinduism is a way of life, not a religi...