Narendra Modi, BJP and RSS are not the entire Hindu society: Rahul Gandhi's first speech as Lok Sabha LoP

In a fiery address in the Lok Sabha on Monday, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi criticized the BJP, accusing them of promoting "violence and hate" despite claiming to be followers of Hinduism. His remarks triggered strong protests from the BJP members, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to condemn Gandhi's statement, asserting that labeling the entire Hindu society as violent is a serious and unwarranted accusation.

Gandhi, however, retorted that he was speaking about the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) or Modi are not the entire Hindu society, he added.

The Congress leader displayed an image of Lord Shiva, emphasizing the deity's message of fearlessness and non-violence. Gandhi argued that true Hinduism, along with other religions like Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, advocates for courage and peace.



Gandhi's assertion that the BJP does not represent all Hindus, and his invocation of various religious teachings, sparked uproar among the BJP members. This prompted Home Minister Amit Shah to demand an apology from Gandhi, accusing him of offending millions of Hindus.

Shah countered Gandhi's call for non-violence by referencing the Congress party's role in historical events such as the Emergency and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, asserting that Gandhi has no moral ground to speak on peace and non-violence given the party’s past actions.

"I was attacked on the orders of Prime Minister Modi. There were 20-plus cases (against me), (my) house was taken away, 55 hours of interrogation by the ED," Gandhi said.

"I am happy and proud to be in the opposition. For us, there is something more than power, it is the truth," he said.