BJP accuses Rahul Gandhi of defaming Hindus as violent people, prompting Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of Uttar Pradesh to demand an apology for hurting sentiments—the community's and that of "Mother India."
Congress president Rahul Gandhi kicked up a row in his maiden speech in the Lok Sabha as Leader of Opposition when he said ruling party leaders are not true Hindus as "they are constantly indulging in violence and hate."
There was visible anger among the ruling party members and Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit back at allegations by the latter that he was tarring the entire Hindu community with the same brush.
In a Hindi social media post, Adityanath wrote: "Hinduism symbolizes tolerance, generosity and gratitude. We take pride in being Hindu!" He attacked Gandhi, referring to him as the "prince" of a group that the chief minister alleges appeases Muslims and identifies as "accidental Hindus."
You owe an apology to millions of Hindus worldwide, Rahul ji!" Adityanath continued. "Today, your words have not just offended a community but hurt the essence of our nation."
Later addressing reporters, Adityanath termed Mr. Gandhi's statements an attempt to defame Uttar Pradesh and Ayodhya.
"Rahul's baseless remarks in Parliament are deplorable and shameful", he said, adding, "Everyone knows who has neglected the heritage of Ayodhya. Today, when Ayodhya is again getting its place of pride and attracting world attention, Congress can't digest it positively. Their narrative is set on a base of falsehood".
He refuted the allegations leveled by Gandhi regarding the Ayodhya compensation matter, stating that ₹1,733 crore had been sanctioned only for compensation to locals from various development works, including roads, religious pathways, and an airport.
The Leader of Opposition tore into the BJP during the heated speech and said Hinduism is all about peddlingNeither fear, nor hatred, nor lies.
Modi chimed into the speech and talked about how serious it was to brand the entire Hindu community as violent. Gandhi clarified his words and explained that he did not mean to link the murders accruing to the entire Hindu society, "distinguishing between BJP/RSS and the greater Hindu people".
Gandhi went further to underline the attribute of bravery in all religions. He gave examples of Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, trying to bring across the point on the value of being fearless.
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