In a heated session of the Lok Sabha, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi faced a barrage of criticism from ruling BJP members over his remarks on Hinduism. During the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address, Gandhi accused Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) leaders of not embodying Hindu values, alleging that they engage in “violence and hate.”
Displaying images of deities and symbols from various religions, Gandhi asserted, “Shivji says daro mat, darao mat, shows the abhay mudra (the right hand held upright with the palm facing outwards), talks about ahimsa, but those who call themselves Hindus indulge in hatred, violence, and untruths round the clock.”
As the treasury bench members stood up in protest, Gandhi slammed the BJP, saying, “Aap Hindu ho hi nahi (You are not Hindus). It is clearly written in Hinduism that one should stand with the truth and not back down from the truth or be scared of it,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi interrupted Gandhi’s speech, emphasising that calling the entire Hindu society violent was a serious issue. He stated, “Accusing an entire community of violence and hatred is a grave insult to our culture and traditions. It undermines the principles of tolerance and harmony that have defined our nation for centuries. Such sweeping statements do a disservice to the rich and diverse tapestry of Hindu beliefs and practices.”
PM Modi’s intervention highlighted the sensitivity and gravity of Gandhi’s remarks, asserting that Gandhi’s comments were not just an attack on the BJP but on the essence of Hindu identity and ethos. He argued that the BJP, deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy, promotes peace and inclusiveness, countering Gandhi’s accusations of violence and hate.
The Prime Minister elaborated, “In our rich cultural heritage, Hinduism stands as a beacon of non-violence, acceptance, and unity. We, as representatives of this great nation, must uphold and cherish these values rather than diminish them with baseless allegations. It’s imperative to understand that political rivalries should not lead to the maligning of an entire community’s ethos.”
Modi also noted the historical contributions of Hindu philosophy to global peace and intellectual discourse. He reminded the Parliament of the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi, who propagated messages of peace and non-violence, drawing from the core values of Hinduism.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah supported PM Modi’s stance, calling Gandhi’s remarks a blatant insult to Hindus worldwide. Shah demanded a formal apology, stating, “Such irresponsible statements from a leader of the opposition not only offend millions but also sow discord among our communities. Rahul Gandhi must retract his words and apologise to every Hindu for this grievous insult.”
हिंदू हिंसा करते हैं, झूठ बोलते हैं और नफरत फैलाते हैं…यह बोलकर राहुल गाँधी ने करोड़ों हिंदुओं का अपमान किया है। इसके लिए उन्हें माफी माँगनी चाहिए। pic.twitter.com/cWxfwtJsk3
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 1, 2024
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath joined the chorus, insisting that Gandhi’s comments hurt the soul of Mother India. “Hindu is the basic soul of India. Hindu is synonymous with tolerance, generosity, and gratitude. We are proud that we are Hindus! How will the ‘prince’ of the group that calls itself ‘accidental Hindus’ and which is indulged in politics of Muslim appeasement, understand this? You should apologise to crores of Hindus of the world, Rahul ji! Today you have not hurt a community but the soul of Mother India,” Adityanath said.
हिंदू भारत का मूल समाज है, भारत की आत्मा है।
श्री राहुल गांधी का बयान सत्य से परे है, भारत की मूल आत्मा को लहूलुहान करने जैसा है… pic.twitter.com/LFHUTzlIfV
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) July 1, 2024
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma echoed these sentiments, demanding an apology from Gandhi. He alleged that Gandhi’s speech reflected the views of the “anti-Hindu side” rather than a leader of the opposition. Sarma questioned, “Who is giving him so much confidence that he can say bad things about the Sanatanis?”
नेता प्रतिपक्ष के रूप में राहुल गांधी ने पहले ही भाषण में हिंदुओं का विरोध किया है। वह विरोधी पक्ष के नेता नहीं, बल्कि हिंदू विरोधी पक्ष के नेता हैं। उन्हें कौन इतना confidence दे रहा है कि वह सनातनियों को भला-बुरा कहे?
राहुल गांधी को हिंदू समुदाय से माफी माँगनी चाहिए। pic.twitter.com/otParOCHcF
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 1, 2024
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticised Gandhi for “attacking Hindus”. He condemned the Congress party’s politics, referencing past controversial remarks by Gandhi about the Indian Army and his dramatic action of tearing up an ordinance in Parliament. Jaishankar expressed his views on X: “This is now the Leader of Opposition. Who attacks Hindus while professing brotherhood to all. Who disparages the Indian Army’s bravery while expressing concern for their welfare. Who tears up Cabinet decisions while preaching respect for the Constitution. Welcome to the politics of the Congress Party.”
This is now the Leader of Opposition.
Who attacks Hindus while professing brotherhood to all.
Who disparages the Indian Army’s bravery, while expressing concern for their welfare.
Who tears up Cabinet decisions, while preaching respect for Constitution.
Welcome to the…
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 1, 2024
Union Minister Chirag Paswan also criticised Gandhi, accusing him of opposing Bhagwan Shiva’s devotees while attempting to oppose the government. Paswan stated, “The post of the leader of opposition has dignity. You cannot make statements like that.”
कोई भी शिव भक्त इसे बर्दाश्त नहीं कर सकता। कांग्रेस के नेता राहुल गांधी लोगों की भावना के साथ खिलवाड़ कर रहे थे। विपक्ष के नेता के तौर पर अगर आपको बात रखनी है तो आप तथ्यों के साथ कीजिए। आपने सिर्फ सदन को भ्रमित करने का काम किया। सिर्फ गलत बयानबाजी करके सदन को भ्रमित किया। मैं गृह… pic.twitter.com/zktpyAc5hQ
— Lok Janshakti Party (Ramvilas) (@LJP4India) July 1, 2024
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini condemned Gandhi’s remarks, saying, “Calling a particular religion violent and hateful from the sacred platform of Parliament not only tarnishes the dignity of Parliament but also promotes religious hatred.”
संविधान का मुद्दा हो या फिर संसद के पटल से लगातार सिर्फ झूठ बोलना हो राहुल गांधी के लिए सिर्फ झूठ-झूठ और झूठ बोलकर बहकाना और तात्कालिक राजनीतिक फसल काटना यही उनका पेशा है। pic.twitter.com/91rJi6G0S3
— Nayab Saini (@NayabSainiBJP) July 1, 2024
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai criticised Gandhi’s understanding of Hindu culture and tradition, insisting that Gandhi apologise to the nation. Sai stated, “Rahul Gandhi’s statement in the Parliament calling the entire Hindu society violent is extremely objectionable and condemnable.”
राहुल गांधी द्वारा संसद में पूरे हिंदू समाज को हिंसक कहना बेहद निंदनीय और आपत्तिजनक है। उन्होंने देश के करोड़ों हिंदुओं का अपमान किया है। राहुल गांधी को भारत की परंपरा और हिंदुओं की संस्कृति की कोई जानकारी नहीं है। उनके इस बयान से पूरा देश क्षुब्ध है। कांग्रेस की हिंदुओं के प्रति…
— Vishnu Deo Sai (@vishnudsai) July 1, 2024
Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Kiren Rijiju accused Gandhi of irresponsibility and insulting Hindus. Rijiju mentioned that the BJP has challenged many of Gandhi’s claims and sought the Speaker’s action.
Joint press conference by Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw, Shri @KirenRijiju & Dr. @SudhanshuTrived in New Delhi.
https://t.co/1E7URC6LAQ— BJP (@BJP4India) July 1, 2024
Leader of opposition made baseless accusations about the statues at Parliament Complex. Every statue of our great personalities is placed with the utmost respect and dignity. I invite everyone to witness the respect given to our national icons. pic.twitter.com/dTf5Gt62YN
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) July 1, 2024
BJP Rajya Sabha member Sudhanshu Trivedi highlighted a history of Congress leaders making controversial remarks about Hinduism, citing former Home Ministers P. Chidambaram and Sushil Kumar Shinde’s alleged terrorism comments.
राहुल गांधी ने आज संपूर्ण हिंदू समाज को हिंसक कहा है। उन्होंने हिंदू समाज को एक बार फिर अपमानित करने का काम किया है।
राहुल गांधी ने जो आज सदन में बोला है, वो कांग्रेस की सोची समझी मानसिकता बन चुकी है।
जब राहुल जी को पहली बार कोई संवैधानिक पद मिला है, नेता प्रतिपक्ष की गरिमा के… pic.twitter.com/qeRCykLqJ2— Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi (@SudhanshuTrived) July 1, 2024
The RSS also condemned Gandhi’s remarks. Reacting to the Congress leader’s remarks, senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) functionary Sunil Ambekar disapproved, stating, “People occupying important positions linking Hindutva with violence is unfortunate. Whether it is the Hindutva of (Swami) Vivekananda or (Mahatma) Gandhi, it is a symbol of harmony and brotherhood.” Ambekar, who heads the all-India publicity department of the RSS, emphasised the peaceful nature of Hindutva.
Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) president Alok Kumar condemned Gandhi’s comments. He warned that if Gandhi believes his party will gain votes by “cornering and insulting” Hindus, he should remember the Congress is still far behind the BJP in terms of Lok Sabha seats. “He (Gandhi) should remember that the Congress could get just 99 seats out of 542 (in the just-concluded polls) and it is still way behind its competitor,” Kumar said in a video message.
