Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar described Hindutva as "Hinduism in paranoia" at a Kolkata debate, distinguishing it as a political ideology from Hinduism's spiritual tradition. He argued Hindutva fosters fear and cited historical figures like Gandhi and Savarkar. BJP leaders, including Sudhanshu Trivedi, strongly criticized Aiyar, defending Hindutva as integral to Hinduism and accusing the Congress of repeatedly insulting Sanatan Dharma. The controversy highlights differing interpretations of Hindutva and its relationship with Hinduism.