Rahul Gandhi's no-holds-barred attack on BJP, PM Modi amid new Lok Sabha power dynamics

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday took repeated digs at Prime Minister Modi and unleashed an all-out attack on the BJP as his first speech as leader of opposition in Lok Sabha gave a glimpse of the new power equation in the Lower House after Lok Sabha elections 2024 which has changed the number dynamics.
Rahul's remark "Those who call themselves Hindu only talk about violence, hatred and untruth ..." targeted at the BJP triggered a massive uproar in Lok Sabha from the treasury benches and saw a rare faceoff between the Prime Minister and the leader of the opposition.
From the Agniveer scheme to the NEET row, Rahul fired several salvos at the government amid strong rebuttals from several Union ministers. The Congress leader did not spare Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla as well, citing his differential treatment to leader of opposition and PM Modi after they together escorted the Speaker to his chair.

Rahul made several references to Lord Shiva, whose picture he showed to the House despite several requests by the Speaker, to drive home what appeared to be the central theme of his speech 'Don't be scared and don't scare others (daro mat, darao mat)'.
Holding up pictures of Lord Shiva, Guru Nanak and Jesus Christ, he referred to Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, Buddhism and Jainism to underline the importance of fearlessness.

When the treasury-bench members protested, Rahul slammed the BJP, saying, "Aap Hindu ho hi nahi (You are not Hindus). It is clearly written in Hinduism that one should stand with the truth and not back down from the truth or be scared of it." When PM Modi intervened, Rahul shot back and said BJP, RSS or Modi do not represent the entire Hindus.
Later when Rahul alleged that ministers do not greet him due to the fear of Modi, the Prime Minister intervened once again and said democracy and the Constitution have taught him to take the leader of opposition seriously.
The impact of changed numbers in Lok Sabha was clearly visible as a united opposition was ready to match the lung power of the treasury benches all through Rahul's speech.
'Parmatma talks directly to Modiji's atma'
Rahul Gandhi was unsparing in his attack on Prime Minister Modi. Citing one of Prime Minister's remarks made during campaigning, Rahul said "Parmatma speaks directly to Modiji's atma."
He then went on to take a dig at another remark on how a movie had revived Mahatma Gandhi. Rahul said Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that Mahatma Gandhi was revived by a movie but the Father of the Nation was always alive.
'You scare minorities ...'
Rahul alleged that the BJP was spreading fear among every section of society.
"You scare the minorities ... you spread violence, hatred against minorities, against Muslims, against Sikhs, against Christians. And what have the minorities done? They represent India in every sphere, they make India proud," the leader of opposition said.
"They stand steadfast with India like mountains, they are patriots and you attacked all the minorities, spread violence and hatred against them," he added.
Manipur, Agniveer, NEET ...
Rahul then went on to attack the government on issues like Manipur violence, the Agniveer scheme which he called the brainchild of PMO and not the Army. He called Agniveers “use and throw labourers,” evoking strong objection from defence minister Rajnath Singh. Rahul attacked government over medical entrance test NEET and said it is not a professional exam but a "commercial" one that has been designed for the rich and not for meritorious people. On Manipur, he again targeted PM Modi and said for the government it seems Manipur is not part of India.
BJP's all-out counter attack
Rahul's aggressive speech evoked very strong reactions from several leaders and ministers of the BJP. They not just slammed Rahul but also sought an apology from the leader of opposition for making baseless allegations and "peddling lies."
The RSS hit out at Rahul for his "not Hindus" jibe at the ruling BJP and said it was "unfortunate" that the leader of opposition linked Hindutva with violence.
Reacting to the Congress leader's remarks, senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) functionary Sunil Ambedkar said, "People occupying important positions linking Hindutva with violence is unfortunate."
"Whether it is the Hindutva of (Swami) Vivekananda or (Mahatma) Gandhi, it is a symbol of harmony and brotherhood," he added.
Many Hindu saints also condemned Rahul Gandhi's "not Hindus" jibe at the BJP and demanded an apology from him.
(With inputs from agencies)