New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi triggered an uproar in Lok Sabha on Monday during his maiden speech as Leader of Opposition.
Launching a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders for their ‘assault on idea of India’, Rahul alleged that they are not Hindus.
The Raebareli MP showed photos of Lord Shiva, Jesus Christ and Guru Nanak to make his point.
“All our great men have spoken about non-violence and finishing fear… But those who call themselves Hindus (BJP) only talk about violence, hatred, untruth… Aap Hindu ho hi nahi (you are not at all Hindus),” Rahul said while speaking during Motion of Thanks to President Droupadi Murmu’s address to joint session of Parliament last week.
Rahul started his speech with ‘Jai Samvidhan’ amid chants of ‘Modi Modi’ and ‘Jai Bharat’ from the ruling party members.
“I’d like to start by showing an image of our protector, Lord Shiva. All our great men have spoken about non-violence and finishing fear. But those who call themselves Hindu (BJP) only talk about violence, hatred and untruth. Aap Hindu ho hi nahi (you are definitely not Hindu),” Rahul said.
नेता विपक्ष श्री @RahulGandhi ने भगवान शिव की तस्वीर सदन में दिखाई।
मोदी सरकार के नेता भड़क गए।
सवाल है- क्या सदन में भगवान शिव की तस्वीर दिखाना मना है ? pic.twitter.com/tdJrpCYWYh
— Congress (@INCIndia) July 1, 2024
Prime Minister Narendra Modi intervened, stating that the LoP calling the entire Hindu society violent is a serious issue.
Rahul retorted, saying “The BJP and the RSS are not the entire Hindu society”.
Displaying posters with images of Lord Shiva and Jesus Christ, the Congress MP cited the Quran and a Prophet Muhammad quote to back his argument that all religions teach courage and fearlessness.
“If you look at Lord Shiva’s image, you would know that Hindus can never spread fear and hatred, but BJP spreads fear and hatred 24/7,” Rahul said.
Speaker Om Birla objected to Rahul’s action, and urged Rahul to follow the rules of Parliament and refrain from displaying photos on the floor of the House.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also interjected at one point, saying that the Congress leader has made serious allegations that “all those who identify as Hindus, talk about violence”.
He sought an apology from Rahul.
“Rahul Gandhi must apologise for his remarks painting all Hindus as violent,” the Home Minister said.
