Rahul's 'Hindu' remarks spark fiery face-off with PM in Parliament

NEW DELHI: The much-awaited showdown between Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi unfolded in dramatic fashion in Lok Sabha on Monday with the newly-appointed leader of opposition saying, "those who call themselves Hindus indulge in hatred, violence and untruths 24x7", drawing a strong rebuttal from the PM.
Rahul's remarks, during the debate on the motion of thanks on the President's address, inflamed what was already building up as an intense duel.Modi immediately got up to protest, saying, "Calling the entire Hindu community violent is a serious issue."
Rahul shot back, "Modiji, BJP, RSS are not the entire Hindu community... A Hindu can never spread violence or fear or hatred." As treasury benches protested, he said, "Aap Hindu ho hi nahi".
Rahul's first speech as LoP a front-on attack on Modi-Shah
The exchange was one of many which marked Rahul's maiden speech as leader of opposition. While he appeared charged, targeting govt over Manipur, Agniveer, NEET and MSP, an indication of BJP's combative intent came right at the outset in the form of the PM's riposte to Rahul's jibe about his face betraying no expression. "I have been taught by the Constitution and democracy to take the LoP seriously," Modi said.
The PM got support from his senior colleagues. Home minister Amit Shah supported Modi's charge that Rahul had insulted Hindus. "Crores of people in country proudly call themselves Hindus. Are they all speaking about violence? Linking violence to any religion, that too by somebody holding a constitutional position... I believe he should apologise," Shah said. With the treasury benches up in arms, Rahul retorted, "Aap Hindu ho hi nahin."
Rahul said when opposition was "violently crushed", with two CMs put in jail, they sought refuge in "Shiv ji", as he flashed a poster of the deity. The Speaker and BJP members objected to it. He said the snake around Shiva's neck, trident behind his left shoulder and "abhay mudra" taught fearlessness, non-violence and courage.
He said BJP brass spent 10 years spreading "hate, fear and violence" against anyone who opposed their policies, calling such actions contrary to the teachings of Lord Shiva and precepts of other religions. He said the two BJP tenures witnessed relentless assault on the foundational ideas of India and the Constitution, with farmers, students, small businessmen, opposition and soldiers bearing the brunt of whimsical policies and "vendetta". He also repeatedly mocked PM as "non-biological" who has "direct connection with the almighty", ribbing Modi on his campaign-time claims.
Rahul also referred to Ayodhya, saying BJP MP Anurag Thakur had spoken on the topic. "Anurag had talked about the attack on Sanatan Dharma, that's why I have done this. I want to show what happened in Ayodhya, what was the truth of Ayodhya..." Gandhi said people of Ayodhya have given a message by defeating BJP.
Rahul's speech on the motion of thanks to the President's joint address, his first as the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, was a biting, front-on attack on Modi and Shah, who along with defence minister Rajnath Singh occupied the front row for the address.
Rahul also congratulated BJP on winning 240 seats and promised support. "Opposition is not your enemy. We are here to make your job easier," he said. However, he also urged them to "not spread fear and hatred".