Rahul Gandhi Slams BJP for Communal Divisiveness in Lok Sabha Speech
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, attacked the BJP on Monday for communal divisiveness during a parliamentary debate. His statements were expunged from the record amidst significant backlash from the ruling party.
Main Points:
– Rahul Gandhi criticizes BJP in Lok Sabha
– Accuses BJP of communal division
– Claims Agniveer Scheme is controlled by the PMO, not the Indian Army
In response to his expunged remarks, Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday, “Everything is expunged in PM Modi’s world. In Modi ji’s world, truth can be expunged. But in reality, the truth can’t be expunged. I said what I had to say, that is the truth. They can expunge as much as they want. Truth is truth.”
During his first address as the Leader of the Opposition, Gandhi accused the ruling party leaders of dividing people on communal lines. This drew massive protests from the treasury benches, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticizing him for allegedly calling the entire Hindu community violent.
Gandhi was speaking during the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address to a joint sitting of Parliament. He quoted Prophet Muhammad to emphasize that the Quran promotes fearlessness and referred to various religious figures like Lord Shiva, Guru Nanak, and Jesus Christ to underline the importance of fearlessness in different faiths.
As his remarks triggered an uproar from the treasury benches, the Chair struck them off the record. Expunged statements included Gandhi’s accusations that the BJP treats minorities unfairly, remarks on industrialists Adani and Ambani, criticism of the NEET exam as favoring the rich, and claims that the Agniveer Scheme is managed by the PMO.
Several cabinet ministers, including Home Minister Amit Shah, demanded an apology from Gandhi. During his hour-and-forty-minute speech, Gandhi argued that all religions promote courage, stating, “Aap Hindu ho hi nahi” (You are not Hindus). He emphasized that Hinduism advocates standing with the truth without fear.
Prime Minister Modi responded by saying, “This issue is very serious. Calling the entire Hindu community violent is a serious issue.” Gandhi concluded by urging the ruling party not to spread fear or hatred, and to consider the opposition as partners in moving the country forward.
Parts of Mallikarjun Kharge’s Speech Expunged
Portions of Mallikarjun Kharge’s speech, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, were also expunged. Words like ‘Satyanash’ (annihilate), ‘Ghamand’ (arrogance), and ‘Mujra’ were removed, along with statements accusing PM Modi of dividing society and spreading misinformation.
