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 Gandhi’s recent comments on Hindus and Modi’s 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, “This morning, Rajnath Singh greeted me well but it stops when PM Modi is around… (He becomes) serious, no smile,” the Raebareli MP said. “The same happens with (Nitin) Gadkariji”.
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, “The Constitution and democracy have taught me to take the Leader of Opposition seriously,” a comment laden with sarcasm given the context of Gandhi’s critique.
The exchange unfolded amidst uproar following Gandhi’s earlier comments on Hinduism, where he controversially remarked, “Those who call themselves Hindu (BJP members) only talk about violence.”
Modi’s intervention, emphasizing the need to respect the opposition, underscored the ongoing polarisation in Indian politics. His remarks on ‘Hindus’ 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, ” BJP and Modi are not the entire Hindu society.” “Narendra Modi’s not the entire Hindu society.”
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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. “For us, there is something more than power, it is truth,” he added during a discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the president’s address to a joint sitting of Parliament.