In a fiery speech during the Lok Sabha session, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition (LoP), directed pointed remarks at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He asserted that Hinduism should not be associated with fear, hatred, and falsehoods. Gandhi’s comments triggered a heated exchange, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and demand an apology.

Gandhi's Assertion

During the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi displayed a poster of Lord Shiva and stated, "Abhayamudra is the symbol of the Congress...". In Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, and other Indian religions, the Abhayamudra symbolises bravery, reassurance, and safety. It provides divine protection and happiness.

Hindu Community
Image Source: Indian Currents

"All our great men have spoken about non-violence and finishing fear… But, those who call themselves Hindu only talk about violence, hatred, untruth… ‘Aap Hindu ho hi nahi’ (you are not Hindus),” Gandhi added.

"Hinduism is not about spreading fear, hatred, and falsehoods," Gandhi stated, citing Islam and Sikhism to emphasise the need of being fearless.

PM Modi's Response

Gandhi's words sparked a rebellion in the Lok Sabha. Amid this, PM Modi got up and condemned Gandhi's remark, stating, "Calling the entire Hindu community violent is a very serious matter."

In his second intervention, which elicited boos from his opponents, PM Modi claimed that the Constitution had taught him to respect the position of LoP, which is currently held by Gandhi.
Union minister Amit Shah condemned Rahul Gandhi's remark and demanded an apology.

"The Leader of the Opposition has categorically said that those who call themselves Hindu talk of violence and do violence. He doesn’t know that crores of people proudly call themselves Hindu. Connecting violence with any religion is wrong. He should apologise,” he stated.

Undeterred, Rahul Gandhi countered by saying that PM Modi and Shah cannot claim to be the exclusive representatives of the Hindu people.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh weighed in, emphasizing that the Lok Sabha operates under established rules and traditions. He noted that during the motion of thanks on the President’s address, historically, no other issue has been taken up.

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