Image Source: hindustantimes.com
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar accused Rahul Gandhi of “attacking Hindus” following the Congress leader’s fierce critique of the BJP in Lok Sabha on Monday. Taking a jab at the Congress party’s politics, Jaishankar also referenced Gandhi’s past remarks about the Indian Army and his act of tearing up an ordinance in Parliament.
“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,” Jaishankar posted on X.
During the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address, Rahul Gandhi asserted that BJP leaders are not true Hindus as they engage in “violence and hate” continuously, provoking significant protests from the treasury benches.
“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,” Gandhi stated, pointing towards BJP MPs.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi intervened, saying, “This issue is very serious. Calling the entire Hindu community violent is a serious issue.”
Gandhi responded to Modi, clarifying that he was criticizing the BJP, not the entire Hindu community. He emphasized that neither the BJP, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), nor Modi represents the entire Hindu society.
“Ye theka nahi hai BJP ka,” Gandhi remarked.
In addition to Modi, who intervened twice, at least five cabinet ministers also interjected during Gandhi’s speech, which lasted about an hour and 40 minutes. Home Minister Amit Shah demanded an apology from Gandhi for portraying the Hindu community as violent.
