Tensions Rise in Parliament: Rahul Gandhi vs. BJP and RSS on Hinduism

During the 2024 Parliament session tensions escalated when Rahul Gandhi criticized the BJP and the RSS. He said both are accusing of violence against minorities.”Aap Hindu ho nahin… (you are not Hindu),” he declared igniting a storm of reactions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh quickly responded and said Rahul Gandhi is insulting Hindus.

This marked the Congress MP’s first speech as the Leader of the Opposition. Armed with a copy of the Constitution and photos of religious figures Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP and RSS of spreading fear and hatred.

“Our great men spoke about non-violence, but those who call themselves Hindus talk only about hatred,” he stated.

Prime Minister Modi rebutted Gandhi’s remarks twice, emphasizing the seriousness of Gandhi’s accusations against Hindu society. Modi’s comments drew mixed reactions with some opposition members jeering at his statements. Gandhi countered by emphasizing that the BJP’s actions contradicted the teachings of Hinduism, illustrated by the images of Lord Shiva and Guru Nanak Dev he displayed during his speech.

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Gandhi also referenced the ‘abhaya mudra’ – a gesture of fearlessness common in many religions, including Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, and Buddhism, which he linked to the Congress party’s symbol.

“Don’t scare, don’t be scared,” he urged, highlighting the unifying message of peace and protection in various faiths.

After this speech, Home Minister Amit Shah demanded an apology from Gandhi arguing that associating violence with any religion is wrong.

The RSS leader Sunil Ambekar also condemned Gandhi’s remarks asserting that Hindutva is a symbol of harmony and brotherhood.

BJP chief JP Nadda also attacked Gandhi on social media, accusing him of lying and spreading Hindu hatred. “First day, worst show! Lies + Hindu hatred = Rahul Gandhi in Parliament,” Nadda tweeted, demanding an apology for Gandhi’s comments.

The scenario of Rajya was different were Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge leading the opposition and talking about NEET medical entrance test irregularities and the relocation of national leaders’ statues within the Parliament complex.