PM Modi, Yogi Adityanath, Himanta Biswa Criticize Rahul Gandhi Over ‘Violent Hindu’ Comment; Congress Responds

Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi delivered a strong speech in the Lok Sabha today, targeting the BJP and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS). In his intense criticism of the ruling National Democratic Alliance led by the BJP, Rahul Gandhi remarked that ’those who call themselves Hindu only talk about violence, hatred, and lies…Aap Hindu ho hi nahi.’

“Abhayamudra is the symbol of Congress…The Abhayamudra is the gesture of fearlessness, reassurance, and safety, which dispels fear and provides divine protection and bliss in Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, and other Indian religions…All our great leaders have spoken about non-violence and eliminating fear…But, those who call themselves Hindu only talk about violence, hatred, and lies…Aap Hindu ho hi nahi,” said Rahul Gandhi.

BJP’s Response to Rahul Gandhi

The BJP quickly responded to his statement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that calling ’the entire Hindu community violent is a very serious matter.’ Following PM Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi. Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states also intensified their criticism of Rahul Gandhi.

“Hinduism is the essence of India. Hinduism is synonymous with tolerance, generosity, and gratitude. We are proud to be Hindus! How will the ‘prince’ of the group that calls itself ‘accidental Hindu,’ which is deeply involved in Muslim appeasement politics, understand this? You should apologize to millions of Hindus worldwide, Rahul ji! Today, you have not just hurt a community but the soul of Mother India,” said Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma added, “As the leader of the opposition, Rahul Gandhi has already opposed Hindus in his first speech. He is not the leader of the opposition but the leader of the anti-Hindu side. Who is giving him so much confidence that he can speak ill of the Sanatanis? Rahul Gandhi should apologize to the Hindu community.”

नेता प्रतिपक्ष के रूप में राहुल गांधी ने पहले ही भाषण में हिंदुओं का विरोध किया है। वह विरोधी पक्ष के नेता नहीं, बल्कि हिंदू विरोधी पक्ष के नेता हैं। उन्हें कौन इतना confidence दे रहा है कि वह सनातनियों को भला-बुरा कहे?

राहुल गांधी को हिंदू समुदाय से माफी माँगनी चाहिए। pic.twitter.com/otParOCHcF — Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 1, 2024

Congress’s Clarification

Congress leaders clarified that Rahul Gandhi used the word ‘Hindu’ to refer to BJP leaders who consider themselves the flagbearers of Hindutva. “My brother Rahul Gandhi can never insult Hindus. He has spoken very clearly about the BJP and its leaders,” said Priyanka Gandhi.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi also mentioned that Narendra Modi or BJP leaders do not represent all Hindus.