NEW DELHI: In a charged Lok Sabha session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ignited controversy with a sharp remark aimed at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, amidst ongoing political tensions over Gandhiโs recent comments on Hindus and Modiโs leadership.
Addressing the House, Gandhi pointedly remarked on the cordiality shown by BJP leaders Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari, alleging a stark change in demeanour when Prime Minister Modi is present.
He said, โThis morning, Rajnath Singh greeted me well but it stops when PM Modi is aroundโฆ (He becomes) serious, no smile,โ the Raebareli MP said. โThe same happens with (Nitin) Gadkarijiโ.
Gandhi suggested this shift reflects an atmosphere of fear cultivated by Modi within his party and among the populace.
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In response, Modi retorted, โThe Constitution and democracy have taught me to take the Leader of Opposition seriously,โ a comment laden with sarcasm given the context of Gandhiโs critique.
The exchange unfolded amidst uproar following Gandhiโs earlier comments on Hinduism, where he controversially remarked, โThose who call themselves Hindu (BJP members) only talk about violence.โ
Modiโs intervention, emphasizing the need to respect the opposition, underscored the ongoing polarisation in Indian politics. His remarks on โHindusโ were swiftly followed by a demand for an apology from Rahul Gandhi by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, intensifying the parliamentary confrontation.
However, Rahul Gandhi hit back immediately at the Prime Minister and said, โ BJP and Modi are not the entire Hindu society.โ โNarendra Modiโs not the entire Hindu society.โ
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Gandhi, newly appointed as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha after a decade, utilized the platform to criticise BJP policies, accusing the government of systematic attacks on constitutional principles and the foundational ethos of India. He highlighted instances of alleged persecution and legal scrutiny faced under the current regime.
The Rae Bareli MP said he is happy and proud to be in Opposition. โFor us, there is something more than power, it is truth,โ he added during a discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the presidentโs address to a joint sitting of Parliament.
