Rahul Gandhi vs. Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha Over ‘Hindu’ Remark; Amit Shah Demands Apology

On Monday, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi sparked an uproar in the Lok Sabha with his comments targeting the BJP, stating that those who call themselves Hindus “only talk about violence, hatred, and lies.” Displaying a poster depicting Lord Shiva, Gandhi highlighted the Congress symbol Abhayamudra, a gesture of fearlessness, which he said represents non-violence and protection across various religions.

Gandhi criticized the ruling party, saying, “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.” He also took a jab at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, referring to Modi’s remarks about Mahatma Gandhi.

The remarks led to a heated exchange between the Congress-led INDIA bloc and the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Prime Minister Narendra Modi interrupted Gandhi’s speech, stating that painting the entire Hindu community as “violent” was a serious matter.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah subsequently demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi, asserting, “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 apologise.”

The session highlighted the growing tensions between the opposing factions, with demands for Gandhi to retract his statements and issue an apology.