During his speech in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi used a picture of Bhagwan Shiva to convey a message of peace and non-violence, quoting 'daro mat, darao mat' (don't fear, don't cause fear) and emphasizing Bhagwan Shiva's abhay mudra, symbolizing fearlessness. He pointed out a perceived contradiction where individuals identifying as Hindus are involved in actions contrary to these principles, such as perpetuating hatred, violence, and spreading falsehoods. The remarks from Rahul Gandhi prompted strong backlash from the ruling BJP, accusing him of disrespecting Hindus by highlighting internal societal challenges within the community. The incident has sparked a broader debate about the interpretation and practice of values and principles within religious and political contexts in India.