Rahul Gandhi and PM Modi Clash in Lok Sabha Over Hindu Remarks

In a heated Lok Sabha session, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the BJP-led government, alleging a systematic attack on India’s Constitution and minorities. He accused the government of promoting violence and fear, which Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly refuted.

Rahul Gandhi’s Allegations

Rahul Gandhi claimed there has been a full-scale assault on the idea of India, the Constitution, and those who resisted this attack. He mentioned that many leaders were jailed and personally attacked, including himself, who faced 55 hours of interrogation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Gandhi emphasized that the symbol of Congress, Abhayamudra, represents fearlessness and non-violence, contrasting it with what he described as the BJP’s promotion of violence and hatred. He stated, “Those who call themselves Hindu only talk about violence, hatred, untruth…Aap Hindu ho hi nahi.”

Reactions from BJP

BJP members, including Home Minister Amit Shah, took strong objection to Gandhi’s remarks. Shah stated that connecting violence with any religion is wrong and demanded an apology from Gandhi. He said, “The Leader of 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.”

Prime Minister’s Response

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also criticized Gandhi’s remarks, stating that calling the entire Hindu community violent is a very serious matter. He added, “Democracy and the Constitution have taught me that I need to take the Leader of Opposition seriously.”

Additional Criticisms

Rahul Gandhi also claimed that BJP ministers were scared to greet him in the presence of PM Modi and criticized the government over the Agniveer scheme.