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BJP leaders are not Hindus because they commit violence: RaGa
OPPN leader accuses BJP of ‘violence and hatred’; accuses its leaders of launching ‘systematic attacks on Constitution’ and ‘fundamental concept of India’
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Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi launched a merciless attack on the BJP in the Lok Sabha on Monday, saying that the ruling party leaders are not Hindus as they perpetrate “violence and hatred” all day long. This led to massive protests by the treasury benches, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing the Congress leader of calling the entire Hindu community violent.
However, Gandhi hit back at Modi, saying that he was speaking about the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and that neither the ruling party, nor the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) nor Modi represented the entire Hindu community.
Besides Modi, who intervened twice, five ministers also weighed in on the speech that lasted about an hour and 40 minutes. Home Minister Amit Shah demanded an apology for portraying the Hindu community as violent.
“It is not just one religion that talks about courage. In fact, all our religions talk about courage,” Gandhi said in his debut speech as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, which was watched by his mother Sonia Gandhi and sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra from the visitors’ gallery.
The Congress leader was speaking during the debate on the Motion of Thanks in the President’s address to a joint sitting of Parliament.
Gandhi accused the BJP of launching “systematic attacks” on the Constitution and the fundamental concept of India, noting that millions of people were opposed to the ideas propounded by the ruling party.
As Gandhi held aloft an image of Lord Shiva, Speaker Om Birla reminded him that the rules do not allow placards to be displayed in the House.
The Congress leader also accused the BJP of threatening minorities and spreading hatred and violence against Muslims, Sikhs and Christians.
He said minorities represent India in all spheres and bring pride to the nation. “They are a rock in the country and are patriots but you (BJP) are attacking them,” he said.
Referring to the Agnipath plan for short-term military recruitment, Gandhi said the government considers the Agnivers as “use-and-throw labourers” and does not even give them the status of a “shaheed”. The Congress leader also hit out at the Centre over the situation in Manipur, alleging that it has plunged the northeastern state into a civil war.
He criticised the government for farmers’ problems and said it was not willing to give legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MSP) for crops.
Referring to a row over the NEET medical entrance exam, Gandhi said students do not believe in the exam as they feel it is for rich people.
Speaking about his new role as leader of the opposition, Gandhi said his duty is to represent all parties on equal footing with love and affection.
In his concluding remarks, Gandhi asked the ruling party not to spread fear or hatred among the people.
“Don’t consider the opposition as your enemies… We are ready to discuss anything you want. Let us work together to take the country forward,” he said.PTI
