Rahul Gandhi and Narendra Modi Clash in Lok Sabha over ‘Hindu’ Remark; Amit Shah Calls for Apology
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi clashed over Gandhi’s remarks about the Hindu community, sparking a heated debate. The session saw sharp exchanges, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah demanding an apology from Rahul Gandhi for his controversial comments. This incident has once again highlighted the deep-seated political and ideological divides between the Congress and the BJP.
Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Hindu’ Remark Triggers Uproar in Lok Sabha
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Monday sparked a significant uproar in the Lok Sabha with his controversial remark targeting the BJP. He stated that those who call themselves Hindus “only talk about violence, hatred, and lies.”
Prime Minister Modi’s Intervention
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, known for his decisive and often combative rhetoric, interrupted Rahul Gandhi’s speech. Modi emphasized the gravity of Gandhi’s accusation, stating, “Painting the entire Hindu community as ‘violent’ is a very serious matter.” Modi’s interjection underscored the sensitivity of religious identity in India and the potential repercussions of such broad-brush statements.
Amit Shah Demands Apology
Following the heated exchange, Union Home Minister Amit Shah demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi. Shah criticized Gandhi’s remarks, stating, “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 apologize.”
Display of Lord Shiva Poster
Rahul Gandhi displayed a poster depicting Lord Shiva in the House. This move was intended to underline his argument but added to the drama of the proceedings. Gandhi went on to explain the significance of the Abhayamudra, a gesture of fearlessness and reassurance common in various Indian religions. He stated, “Abhayamudra is the symbol of the Congress…The Abhayamudra is the gesture of fearlessness, the gesture of reassurance and safety, which dispels fear and accords divine protection and bliss in Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, and other Indian religions… All our great men have spoken about non-violence and finishing fear… But, those who call themselves Hindu only talk about violence, hatred, untruth…you are not Hindus.”
Critique of PM Modi
In his speech, Rahul Gandhi also took the opportunity to critique Prime Minister Modi’s previous statements about Mahatma Gandhi. He said, “The PM says that (Mahatma) Gandhi is dead and Gandhi was revived by a movie. Can you understand the ignorance?… Another thing I noticed is that it is not just one religion that talks about courage. All religions talk about courage.” This remark was intended to highlight what Gandhi sees as a superficial understanding of Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy and the broader principles of courage and non-violence.
Modi’s Strong Response
Amid the commotion, PM Modi stood up to respond to Gandhi’s remarks, reiterating that “calling the entire Hindu community violent is a very serious matter.” Modi’s response was aimed at defending the integrity and reputation of the Hindu community, which forms a significant part of his political base.
Criticism of the Agnipath Scheme
After the ruckus subsided, Rahul Gandhi continued his speech, turning his attention to the BJP government’s Agnipath scheme. He criticized the scheme, arguing that the Centre was treating soldiers as “use-and-throw” labor. Gandhi’s criticism of the Agnipath scheme was part of his broader critique of the BJP government’s policies, which he claims are short-sighted and detrimental to the welfare of the country.
The Political and Ideological Divide
This clash in the Lok Sabha is emblematic of the larger political and ideological divide between the Congress and the BJP. Rahul Gandhi’s remarks and subsequent defense were rooted in a critique of what he perceives as the BJP’s exploitation of religious identity for political gain. On the other hand, the BJP’s strong reaction reflects its sensitivity to any criticism that could potentially alienate its core support base among Hindu voters.
Conclusion
The heated exchange between Rahul Gandhi and Narendra Modi in the Lok Sabha over Gandhi’s ‘Hindu’ remark has once again brought to the forefront the deep ideological rifts in Indian politics. While Rahul Gandhi aimed to highlight issues of non-violence and truth, his sweeping statements about Hindus backfired, leading to a demand for an apology from the BJP. As the political discourse in India continues to be marked by sharp divides and intense debates, incidents like these underscore the importance of measured and responsible rhetoric, especially when discussing sensitive issues like religion.