📷 Image Credits: The Times of India
In a bold and assertive move, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, displayed a picture of Lord Shiva, Guru Nanak, and Jesus Christ in the Lok Sabha, emphasizing that the opposition upholds the values preached by these revered figures. The action taken by Gandhi during his speech was met with strong objection from Speaker Om Birla, who deemed it a violation of parliamentary rules. Gandhi’s remarks targeted the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), known for its pro-Hindu stance, as he emphasized that Hinduism advocates for non-violence and resilience rather than fear, hatred, and falsehoods. The incident occurred during a discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address to Parliament, where Gandhi’s portrayal of Hinduism sparked a heated debate. Prime Minister Narendra Modi intervened, highlighting the seriousness of labeling the entire Hindu society as violent, to which Gandhi clarified that his critique was directed towards the BJP and the RSS, not the entire Hindu community. Alongside the image of Lord Shiva, whom Gandhi referred to as his protector, he also showcased pictures of Guru Nanak and Jesus Christ to symbolize the shared values and beliefs upheld by the opposition and the nation as a whole. Gandhi emphasized that the core principles of courage and fearlessness are intrinsic to all religions, citing examples from Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. While reiterating the importance of displaying these images, Gandhi faced opposition from Speaker Om Birla, who strictly adhered to the rules of the Parliament. Despite objections, Gandhi continued to defend his stance against the BJP, accusing the ruling party of undermining the Constitution and the foundational principles of India, a move that he asserted has been met with resistance by millions of citizens.
