During a Lok Sabha session on July 1, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi displayed an image of Lord Shiva and mentioned that the Hindu deity had become a refuge for the opposition during challenging times. However, Speaker Om Birla objected, referencing rules that prohibit the display of placards or signs in the House. Gandhi responded by accusing the ruling coalition of preventing the display of the god’s image.
Gandhi remarked, “The snake around Shiv ji’s neck teaches that one should never be afraid… I am happy and proud to be in the opposition because, for us, there is more than power, there is truth.”
He further elaborated on the significance of the trishul behind Lord Shiva’s left shoulder, saying, “It is not a symbol of violence; it is a symbol of non-violence, which is why it is positioned where Shiva cannot easily reach it with his right hand.”
Gandhi continued, “If it were a symbol of violence, it would be held in his right hand,” emphasizing that the opposition fights the ruling party with truth and non-violence. He connected the Congress party’s election symbol to the abhay mudra of Hinduism, representing truth, fearlessness, and non-violence.
He further said “Those who call themselves Hindu, 24×7 they do violence, violence, violence and hate, hate hate“.
Gandhi also referenced religious teachings from the Quran, Guru Nanak Dev, Jesus Christ, and Lord Buddha, highlighting their messages of fearlessness. He contrasted these teachings with those who, he claimed, promote violence, hatred, and lies, asserting, “You are not a Hindu. Hinduism clearly states to stand by the truth.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi objected to Gandhi’s remarks, stating, “This is a serious matter. They are calling the whole Hindu society violent.” Rahul Gandhi later clarified that his criticism was directed not at the Hindu society but at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
He said that criticizing BJP and RSS was not criticism of Hindus.
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.