Lord Shiva's Image In Hand, Rahul Gandhi Launches All-Out Attack On PM Modi In LS

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spoke on the Motion of Thanks to President's address to the joint session of Parliament.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday launched an all out attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Lok Sabha, while holding an image of Lord Shiva in his hand. During his address, the Raebareli MP said that there were certain ideas the entire Oppisition drew from Lord Shiva to defend the idea of India. 

He also trained guns on PM Modi over his remark during the Lok Sabha campaign that he has been "sent by God" and that Gandhi was revived by a movie. 

"There has been a systematic and a full-scale assault on the idea of India, the Constitution and on the people who resisted the attack on Constitution. Many of us were personally attacked. Some of the leaders are still in jail. Anyone who resisted the idea of concentration of power and wealth, aggression on poor and Dalits and minorities was crushed," he said.

"I was attacked by the order of Govt of India, by the order of the Prime Minister of India...The most enjoyable part of it was the 55 hours of interrogation by ED...," he added. 

"…The PM says that (Mahatma) Gandhi is dead and Gandhi was revived by a movie. Can you understand the ignorance," said the Lok Sabha LoP. 

Showing an image of Lord Shiva, which was objected to by Speaker Om Birla, Rahul said that the opposition drew inspiration from the deity to protect the idea of India. Snake implies courage, the 'trishul' at the back symbolises non-violence, and the 'Abhay Mudra' which resembles the Congress party symbol signifies courage, he said. He then went on to explain how other religions too advocate for these ideas. 

"All our great men have spoken about non-violence and finishing fear...But, those who call themselves Hindu only talk about violence, hatred, untruth…Aap Hindu ho hi nahi…," he said sparking an uproar in the House by members of the ruling party. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi swiftly reacted to the comment saying "calling the entire Hindu community violent is a very serious matter." 

Issuing a clarification, the Congress MP said his remark was against Modi, BJP and the RSS and not the entire Hindu community.