Following Rahul Gandhi’s scathing criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Lok Sabha on July 1, where he accused the ruling party leaders of creating divisions among people based on religion, certain parts of his speech were removed from the parliamentary records.
Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on Hindus sparked strong objections from the government benches, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who criticized the Congress leader for labeling the entire Hindu community as violent.
The Speaker ordered the removal of sections of Rahul Gandhi’s Lok Sabha address that targeted the central government on issues such as minorities, the NEET controversy, and the Agnipath scheme. The expunged portions included his statements about Hindus, PM Narendra Modi, the BJP, and the RSS. Additionally, references to industrialists Adani and Ambani, as well as the Agniveer Scheme, were also deleted.
During Rahul Gandhi’s speech, which lasted nearly two hours, Prime Minister Modi and five cabinet ministers intervened, with Home Minister Amit Shah demanding an apology from the Congress MP.
Rahul Gandhi, in his inaugural address as the leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, emphasized that courage is a common theme across all religions. His speech, witnessed by his mother Sonia Gandhi and sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, took place during the discussion on the Motion of Thanks regarding the president’s address to Parliament. Gandhi also referenced Prophet Muhammad to illustrate the Quran’s teachings on fearlessness.
By showcasing images of Lord Shiva, Guru Nanak, and Jesus Christ, he drew attention to the significance of fearlessness in Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, Buddhism, and Jainism. Furthermore, he highlighted the qualities of Lord Shiva and the teachings of Guru Nanak, Jesus Christ, Buddha, and Mahavir to emphasize the message of “do not be scared, do not scare others” present in all religions and advocated by great figures in the country.
Modi, interrupting his speech, stated, “This matter is of grave importance. Labeling the entire Hindu community as violent is a grave matter.”
Amit Shah demanded an apology from the Congress leader to the Parliament and the nation for offending the sentiments of millions of individuals who proudly associate themselves with Hinduism.
Taking a dig at Rahul Gandhi’s claim that ministers do not acknowledge him, the prime minister emphasized that democracy and the Constitution have taught him to respect the leader of the Opposition.
Rahul Gandhi criticized the BJP for carrying out “systematic assaults” on the Constitution and the core principles of India, highlighting that numerous individuals have opposed the ideologies put forth by the ruling party.
The individual claimed to have been assaulted under the directives of Prime Minister Modi and the government. He mentioned facing over 20 legal cases, serving a two-year prison term, losing his residence, and enduring 55 hours of questioning by the ED.
While showcasing an image of Lord Shiva, the Congress leader was cautioned by Speaker Om Birla about the prohibition of exhibiting placards within the chamber.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stepped in to counter Rahul Gandhi’s allegations regarding the Agnipath Scheme.
RSS hits back
The RSS has also addressed Rahul Gandhi’s accusations through Sunil Ambekar, stating that “It is regrettable that individuals in significant parliamentary roles are linking Hindutva with violence. Whether it be Vivekananda or Gandhi… Hindutva represents unity and fraternity…”