Parliament Session: In a blistering speech during the Lok Sabha's debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi criticised the BJP, accusing the party of spreading fear, violence, and hate. Gandhi argued that the BJP and its affiliates, including the RSS, do not represent the entire Hindu religion. "Narendra Modi, BJP, RSS do not represent the entire Hindu religion," Gandhi asserted. Evoking Lord Shiva, he emphasised that a true Hindu cannot spread fear and hate.
"A Hindu cannot spread fear, violence, hate while all the BJP does is spread hate and violence," he said, presenting a photo of Lord Shiva to underscore his point.
Gandhi highlighted what he termed a systematic attack on the Idea of India and the Constitution. He mentioned the significant defeat of the BJP in Ayodhya, Lord Ram's birthplace, by shaking hands with Awadhesh Prasad, the MP from Faizabad, who unseated the sitting BJP parliamentarian. "The extent to which BJP has spread fear, starting from Ayodhya. Lord Ram's birthplace gave a message to the BJP and the message is sitting in front of you," Gandhi stated.
The Congress leader accused the government of muting his microphone when he mentioned Ayodhya. "I asked him what happened in Ayodhya. BJP inaugurated Ram Mandir, then what happened," he questioned.
Gandhi cited the development policies in Ayodhya, alleging that land was taken from locals without adequate compensation and that small shops and homes were demolished, leaving residents on the streets.
"Awadh said he knew he was going to win from Day 1. An Airport was built in Ayodhya by snatching the land of the people and they have never received compensation. Small shops and buildings were demolished, and people were left on the roads. Ayodhya residents were disappointed because there were Adani and Ambani but no one from Ayodhya was called to attend the inauguration," he remarked.
Gandhi further alleged that Prime Minister Modi instilled fear in the people of Ayodhya, demolishing their homes and preventing local farmers and poor residents from attending the temple's inauguration. "Modi instilled fear in people of Ayodhya, he snatched their land, demolished their homes, and didn't let the poor and the farmers of Ayodhya attend the temple's inauguration. People sent them the right message," he remarked.
ALSO READ | Lord Shiva's Image In Hand, Rahul Gandhi Launches All-Out Attack On PM Modi In LS
PM Modi Tested If He Could Contest Ayodhya LS Seat, Escaped To Varanasi Fearing Loss: Rahul Gandhi
In a bold claim, Gandhi mentioned that surveys indicated Modi should not contest from Ayodhya, leading him to choose Varanasi instead. "Awadh ji told me that twice Narendra Modi tested if he should contest from Ayodhya and surveyors told him not to as people will defeat you. So he went to Varanasi and escaped," Gandhi alleged.
Gandhi also pointed out that senior BJP leaders Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari avoid greeting him in Lok Sabha, fearing disapproval from Modi. "Forget the people of Ayodhya, they even intimidate the BJP," he quipped.
Responding to Gandhi's remarks, Prime Minister Modi said, "Democracy and constitution have taught me to take the Leader of Opposition seriously."
During his speech, Gandhi emphasised that all religions promote courage and fearlessness, citing Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. He accused the BJP of attacking the Constitution and the foundational idea of India, stating, "There were 20-plus cases against me, my house was taken away, 55 hours of interrogation by the ED," but expressed pride in resisting these challenges.
"It feels nice that BJP people are now repeating 'Jai Samvidhan' after me," Gandhi said, adding that he is happy and proud to be in the opposition. "For us, there is something more than power; it is the truth," he concluded.