New Delhi: A heated session in the Lok Sabha ensued on Monday following a controversial remark by Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi. His comment, suggesting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and its parental organization Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) do not represent the “entire Hindu community,” led to a ruckus in the House and sharp criticism from Prime Minister Modi.
During a fierce exchange, Gandhi stated, “Narendra Modi is not the entire Hindu society. BJP is not the entire Hindu society. RSS is not the entire Hindu society. This is not BJP’s contract.”
This remark drew objections from both PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. When Gandhi displayed a portrait of Lord Shiva, Speaker Om Birla intervened, stating that displaying pictures in the House was against the rules.
Gandhi’s remarks were met with strong reactions from the ruling party. PM Modi labeled Gandhi’s comment as a “serious matter,” accusing him of calling the entire Hindu community violent.
Home Minister Amit Shah demanded an apology, emphasizing the need for maintaining the dignity of the House.
Motion of Thanks Discussion
The contentious debate occurred during discussions on the Motion of Thanks on President Droupadi Murmu’s address. BJP MP Anurag Singh Thakur praised the government’s initiatives over the past decade, highlighting achievements such as uplifting 25 crore people from poverty and providing free foodgrain to 80 crore people under the PM Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana. He also criticized the previous UPA government for economic mismanagement and corruption.
In contrast, Rahul Gandhi raised issues such as alleged irregularities in the NEET exam, the Agniveer scheme, unrest in Manipur, demonetization, rising inflation, and farmers’ issues. He accused the government of favoring the rich through the NEET examination system and claimed that Agniveers do not receive martyr status if they die in the line of duty. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh countered, stating that the government provides financial assistance to the families of fallen Agniveers.
Union Panchayati Raj Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh criticized Gandhi’s speech, likening it to an election campaign and accusing the Congress of undermining the constitution during its tenure. He reiterated the government’s commitment to building houses for the poor and disbursing funds to farmers.
Other Parliamentary Reactions
BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj emphasized the government’s focus on farmers and women’s empowerment, while Trinamool Congress MP Mohua Moitra argued that the government lacks a simple majority. Congress MP Manish Tewari criticized new criminal laws, demanding their review.
In the Rajya Sabha, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge accused the President’s address of lacking vision and failing to address issues concerning the poor, SC, and minorities. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the placement of statues in the Parliament House complex, while Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted job creation in the Railways under the current government.
Though, the session witnessed a walkout by opposition members over the NEET issue and a congratulatory note to the Indian Men’s Cricket Team for their T20 World Cup victory. The discussion on the Motion of Thanks is ongoing, with various MPs from different parties contributing to the debate.
