Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s interpretation of the Abhay Mudra is, at best, based upon a superficial understanding of this symbolic gesture. First, he interpreted it to mean not only “daro mat” (don’t be afraid) but also “daraao mat” (don’t terrorise). In his earlier reference to this very symbol, he had likened it to the Congress poll symbol of an open palm, in a way, trying to assign it a divine aura. Currently, while “daro mat” will find resonance with the generally understood meaning of the symbol as Almighty holding a protecting hand over the devotee, the real meaning of this particular mudra, as any spiritualist will tell you, is that it betokens kalyanamastu or blessing for the well-being of all, and not only the devotees who bow to the image. To a positive message of this posture, Rahul has committed the folly of giving a negativistic twist.