During the Parliament session, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi delivered his inaugural address as the Leader of the Opposition.
In response to Mr. Gandhi’s speech, the Bharatiya Janata Party, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, strongly criticized him for allegedly insulting Hindus. This came after Mr. Gandhi, armed with a copy of the Constitution and images of religious figures such as Lord Shiva, Prophet Mohammed, Jesus Christ, and Guru Nanak Singh, launched a scathing attack on the BJP and its ideological mentor, the RSS, claiming that neither truly represented all Hindus.
Mr. Modi took the floor twice to counter the statements made by the Congress leader.
Mr. Modi’s initial statement about the Hindu society being labeled as violent was met with criticism. In his subsequent remarks, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of respecting the position of the Leader of the Opposition, currently held by Mr. Gandhi, as taught by the Constitution. The opposition’s reaction was fueled by their accusation that the government is attempting to undermine the Constitution, a claim that the BJP has dismissed. Mr. Gandhi and other MPs had recently added “Jai Samvidhan” to their oaths. Mr. Gandhi then took a direct swipe at the BJP and the RSS, accusing them of perpetrating violence against minorities, and stating that those who claim to be Hindus only speak of hatred, not non-violence.
Rahul Gandhi’s Fiery Speech
Mr Gandhi initiated his address by denouncing a “comprehensive and organized assault on the concept of India… the Constitution… and on individuals who opposed the attack on the Constitution”. Several opposition figures were “personally targeted”, the Congress leader declared and mentioned that “some are still imprisoned”.
The allusion appeared to be directed towards Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, whose AAP is a part of the Congress-led INDIA opposition alliance. Mr Kejriwal is currently detained in Delhi’s Tihar Jail due to his involvement in the liquor policy case.
“If you observe Lord Shiva’s depiction, you will understand that Hindus can never propagate fear and animosity… but the BJP promotes fear and animosity 24×7,” Mr Gandhi remarked. He also exhibited images of Prophet Mohammad and Guru Nanak Singh – a move that was criticized by Speaker Om Birla – and highlighted a similarity in their most recognized postures – the outward-facing right hand, which coincides with the Congress’ symbol.
“Darao mat… daro mat… (don’t intimidate, don’t be intimidated),” Mr Gandhi emphasized, alluding to the ‘abhaya mudra’ – which encourages one to eliminate fear – and the similar teachings he claimed are imparted by all faiths.
“The ‘abhaya mudra’ symbolizes the Congress… it signifies safety, which eradicates fear and bestows divine protection in Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, and other Indian religions…” he stated.
Amit Shah Responds
After the Prime Minister’s concise response – during which Mr. Gandhi exclaimed “Modi ji, BJP, and RSS is not the entire Hindu community” – Mr. Shah assumed control.
“The Leader of the Opposition stated that those who identify as Hindu speak of violence. He is unaware that millions proudly identify as Hindu… associating violence with any religion is incorrect,” he announced.
“Rahul Gandhi should offer an apology,” Mr. Shah proclaimed.
The Minister of Home Affairs also referenced the Emergency declared by Congress leader and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, a point often utilized by the BJP to criticize its opponent, as well as the anti-Sikh riots of 1984.
“Rahul Gandhi should apologize for his statements that portray all Hindus as violent,” Mr. Shah asserted.
Rajya Sabha Rumble
The Lok Sabha wasn’t the only place where chaos, shouting, and screaming erupted. In the Rajya Sabha, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge took the lead as the opposition clashed with BJP boss JP Nadda over alleged irregularities in the NEET medical entrance tests and the relocation of national leader’s statues within the Parliament complex. Mr Kharge’s criticisms came amidst ongoing complaints by the Congress and other opposition parties that they are not given the opportunity to speak, let alone criticize or question the government during Parliament sessions.