Ruckus in Lok Sabha over Rahul Gandhi’s statement on ‘Hindu’
The Lok Sabha erupted in chaos as BJP members demanded an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his alleged derogatory comments about Hindus during a recent rally in Jaipur. The ruling party accused Gandhi of insulting the sentiments of the majority community and creating communal tension through his remarks. The Speaker had to adjourn the House multiple times as BJP members continued to disrupt proceedings, demanding an immediate clarification and apology from Gandhi.
Gandhi’s controversial statement, where he reportedly said that he is a devotee of Lord Shiva but not a ‘Hindu’, sparked outrage among BJP members who accused him of disrespecting the followers of Hinduism. Home Minister Amit Shah came to the defense of the Hindu community, asserting that being a Hindu is not just a matter of belief in a particular deity but a way of life. Shah criticized Gandhi for attempting to divide people based on religion and questioned his credentials to speak on Hinduism.
Amit Shah responds
Home Minister Amit Shah hit back at Rahul Gandhi’s comments, accusing him of playing divisive politics and trying to pit one community against another for electoral gains. Shah emphasized the inclusive nature of Hinduism and the need to respect all religions and beliefs. He highlighted the centuries-old tradition of tolerance and acceptance that is inherent in the fabric of Indian society, urging politicians to refrain from making inflammatory statements that could disrupt communal harmony.
Shah’s strong response to Gandhi’s remarks underscored the sensitivity of religious issues in Indian politics and the potential for such statements to incite violence or unrest. The exchange between the ruling party and the opposition highlighted the deep-rooted religious and cultural divisions that often come to the fore during election season. The ongoing debate over Gandhi’s comments served as a reminder of the challenges in navigating issues of identity, belief, and politics in a diverse and pluralistic society like India.
