Rahul Gandhi’s challenge to BJP – We will defeat you in Gujarat
Parliament Session Live: After a two-day break, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha sessions resumed on Monday. The opposition surrounded the government over issues like misuse of central agencies, NEET and Agneepath. During this, there was a lot of uproar in both the houses.
Rahul Gandhi addressed the Lok Sabha, accusing the government’s agencies, such as the Income Tax Department and the Enforcement Directorate, of relentlessly targeting small business owners, thereby paving the way for the wealthiest individuals. He recounted a visit to Gujarat where he claimed that members of the textile industry informed him that the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was aimed at benefiting billionaires. When questioned about his visits to Gujarat, Gandhi asserted that he frequently travels there. He confidently declared that his party would emerge victorious in Gujarat in the upcoming elections, challenging the current ruling party.
Gandhi also mentioned Manipur, stating that the government has no real presence in the state. Speaking about his visit to a relief camp, he made a sarcastic remark about the government’s communication with the divine, suggesting that Prime Minister Modi might have received a message from God at 8 o’clock in the evening instructing him to proceed with demonetization. He implied that such decisions seemed to come from a higher power, with orders being issued in rapid succession. The Speaker of the House intervened to remind Gandhi that the Prime Minister is the leader of the House and should be respected. Gandhi clarified that he does respect the Prime Minister and that his comments were not personal but a reflection of the actions and statements made by the Prime Minister himself.
Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Jai Samvidhan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in attendance at the Lok Sabha today. As opposition leader Rahul Gandhi began his speech, members of the ruling party interrupted with chants of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ (Hail Mother India), forcing Gandhi to pause. The speaker of the house did not intervene. Following this, cheers of ‘Modi, Modi’ filled the chamber. The speaker appeared indecisive, looking from one side to the other. Rahul Gandhi responded with ‘Jai Samvidhan’ (Hail the Constitution), which was met with laughter from the opposition benches. Turning to face them, Gandhi asked, “Do you have a copy?”
It’s worth noting that both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will have 21 hours each to debate the President’s address. The BJP has been allocated eight hours for this purpose.
False cases were registered against me
Rahul Gandhi stated that he was targeted by the government, facing false cases and scrutiny by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), a fact that even the officials found surprising. He also mentioned that leaders in India were imprisoned.
He went on to say that over the past decade, there have been relentless assaults on the Constitution. As he continued, the noise in the chamber grew louder. When members of the ruling party voiced their dissent, the opposition also rose. Gandhi remarked that the “warming up” was still happening, and many had been personally attacked, with several leaders still behind bars.
He asserted that not only the opposition but anyone who opposed the concentration of power, wealth, and the oppression of Dalits and minorities was suppressed. He included himself in this, saying he was targeted on the government’s orders, presumably from the Prime Minister. He faced over 20 cases, a potential 2-year jail term, and was taken into custody, all without issue. He was deliberately maligned and attacked, enduring 55 hours of questioning by the ED.
Uproar over the picture of Lord Shiva
Following his remarks, Rahul Gandhi displayed a picture of Lord Shankar. The speaker interrupted him, requesting he wait for a moment. Speaker Om Birla pointed out that Gandhi had questioned the use of Rule 352 and had advocated for the House to operate according to its rules and procedures. The speaker noted that, per the rules, displaying placards or pictures is not permitted.
Rahul Gandhi inquired, “Is it prohibited to show the photo of Lord Shiva in this House? Please clarify. Is the image of Lord Shiva banned here? I am saying that I sought protection from Him, yet you are stopping me.” Gandhi mentioned that he had more pictures he wished to show, pictures that all of India knows and understands. He explained that he brought the image to convey a message of defense, highlighting the snake around Lord Shiva’s neck as a symbol of fearlessness.
Saving the idea of India
Rahul Gandhi emphasized that the entire opposition is safeguarding the idea of India and has protected the country’s Constitution. He displayed a photo of Lord Shiva, which caused an uproar in the House. Speaker Om Birla objected to the display of the photo. Gandhi explained that the trident in Shiva’s left hand symbolizes non-violence and that they protect the truth without resorting to violence.
Gandhi then showed a picture of Guru Nanak, which also led to noise in the chamber. He stated that Guru Nanak taught not to fear and not to instill fear in others. He mentioned that Guru Nanak traveled extensively and never resorted to violence. Similarly, he noted that Jesus Christ and Mahavira preached the same message of fearlessness and non-violence. He stressed that all religions advocate for courage and against fear-mongering.
Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, criticized those who claim to be Hindus but promote violence. This remark sparked an uproar, and Gandhi added that the commotion was because his words had struck a chord.
He continued, highlighting India’s history of three ideologies and Prime Minister Modi’s statement that India has never attacked anyone, attributing this to the country’s non-violent nature. Gandhi argued that all great Indians have spoken about non-violence and overcoming fear, and that Lord Shiva’s Abhay Mudra signifies fearlessness. However, those who identify as Hindus, according to Gandhi, only speak of violence and hatred.
Speaker Birla intervened, stating that such remarks were unacceptable. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood up during Gandhi’s speech and called it a serious matter to label the entire Hindu society as violent. Gandhi clarified that they were addressing the BJP, not the entire Hindu community, and that Hindus should not spread violence and hatred.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah responded to Gandhi, stating that it was wrong to associate violence with any religion and that many proudly identify as Hindus.
Gandhi further discussed the Abhay Mudra as a symbol of the Congress, representing fearlessness and security, which is found in Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, and other Indian religions. He questioned who controlled the microphone, as it was turned off when he mentioned Ayodhya. He also criticized the BJP’s handling of the Ayodhya situation and the lack of compensation for victims.
Regarding the Agniveer scheme for military recruitment, Gandhi criticized the treatment of Agniveers, arguing that they are not given the status of martyrs and that the scheme is flawed compared to the training provided to Chinese soldiers. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh countered that Agniveers who die on duty are compensated with one crore rupees.
Gandhi also addressed the NEET exam leak, expressing concerns about the fairness of the exam and the perception that it favors the rich over the meritorious.
Finally, Gandhi urged the speaker to remain impartial and not to bow down in the House, emphasizing the need for respectful conduct.
