The much-anticipated showdown between Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi unfolded in dramatic fashion in Lok Sabha with the newly-appointed leader of opposition saying, “those who call themselves Hindus indulge in hatred, violence and untruths 24x7”, drawing a strong rebuttal from the prime minister.
Rahul’s remarks, during the debate on the motion of thanks on the President’s address, inflamed what was already building up as an intense duel. Modi immediately got up to protest, saying, “Calling the entire Hindu community violent is a serious issue.”
In his rhetorical, dramatic style, Rahul shot back, “Modiji is not the entire Hindu community, BJP and RSS are not. BJP does not have the community’s contract. A Hindu can never spread violence or fear or hatred, but BJP all the time is hatred and violence, hatred and violence.”
The exchange was one of many which marked Rahul's maiden speech as leader of opposition. While he appeared charged, targeting govt over Manipur, Agniveer, NEET and MSP, an indication of BJP’s combative intent came right at the outset in the form of the PM’s riposte to Rahul’s jibe about his face betraying no expression. “I have been taught by the Constitution and democracy to take the LoP seriously,” Narendra Modi said.
The PM got support from his senior colleagues. Home minister Amit Shah supported Modi’s charge that Rahul had insulted Hindus.
“Crores of people in the country proudly call themselves Hindus. Are they all speaking about violence? Linking violence to any religion, that too by somebody holding a constitutional position... I believe he should apologise,” Shah said. With the treasury benches up in arms, Rahul retorted, “Aap Hindu ho hi nahin (You are not Hindus).”
Rahul said when the opposition was “violently crushed”, with two chief ministers put in jail, they sought refuge in “Shivji”, as he flashed a poster of the deity. The Speaker and BJP members objected to it. He said the snake around Shiva’s neck, trident behind his left shoulder and “abhay mudra” taught fearlessness, non-violence and courage.
He said the BJP leadership spent 10 years spreading “hate, fear and violence” against anyone who opposed their policies, calling such actions contrary to the teachings of Lord Shiva and precepts of other religions. He said the two BJP tenures witnessed relentless assault on the foundational ideas of India and the Constitution, with farmers, students, small businessmen, opposition leaders and soldiers bearing the brunt of whimsical policies and “vendetta”. He also repeatedly mocked PM as “non-biological” who has “direct connection with the almighty”, ribbing Modi on his campaign-time claims.
