Rahul Gandhi Says 'Those Who Call Themselves Hindus Speak Of Violence, Hatred'; PM Modi Calls Him Out For Attacking Entire Hindu Community

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi showed an image of Lord Shiva in Lok Sabha today (1 July) and said that when the opposition was under attack, the Hindu god became their refuge.

Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla objected to it citing rules that no placards or signboards can be shown in the House. Gandhi twisted the objection by saying that the ruling coalition is not allowing showing the god's image.

Gandhi said, "The snake around Shiv ji's neck teaches that one should be never scared... I am happy and proud to be in the opposition because, for us, there is more than power, it is truth."

He then explained the idea behind the presence of trishul behind Lord Shiva's left shoulder and said, "It is not a symbol of violence, it is a symbol of non-violence, that is why it is placed where Shiva cannot reach it with his right hand,"

"If it was a symbol of violence, it would have been held in his right hand," he said adding that the opposition fought the ruling party and defended the truth with non-violence.

Gandhi linked the election symbol of the Congress to abhay mudra of Hinduism and said that it is the next step in the idea of truth, fearlessness and non-violence.

The Congress MP then quoted Quran, holy book of Islam, Guru Nanak Dev, the first Guru of Sikhism, Christianity founder Jesus Christ and Lord Buddha to suggest that they also ask not to get scared.

Drawing a contrast, he then said, "Those who call themselves Hindus talk about violence, hatred and lies 24 hours. You are not a Hindu. Hinduism clearly states to stand by the truth."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi objected to it and said, "This is a serious matter. They are calling the whole Hindu society violent."

Gandhi then clarified that his attack was not on the whole Hindu society but the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).