New Delhi, Jan. 28 -- Congress leader Pawan Khera on Tuesday defended Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's statement, questioning how it could be considered an insult to Sanatan Dharma.

Speaking to ANI, Khera said,"How is it an insult to Sanatana Dharma? Sanatan Dharma says that the king must always think of the welfare of his pupils. On the pretext of religion, they cannot give rise to unemployment and ruin law and order.... They need to read books on 'Dharma' and then preach Sanatan Dharma to others..."

Earlier, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticised Kharge's remarks on the Mahakumbh, calling them "unprecedented" and reflective of a "deeply troubling mindset" against Sanatan Dharma.

Sharpening his attack, CM Sarma fur...