Rahul Gandhi, a prominent figure in Indian politics and a key leader of the Indian National Congress, has officially debuted as the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Parliament. This significant moment marks a new chapter in his political journey. In his debut speech, Gandhi addressed critical issues such as religious intolerance, societal fear, and the need for unity. In this blog post, we will delve into his vision, his critique of divisive politics, and his call for collaboration to build a better future for India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will respond to Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s remarks in the Lok Sabha on Monday. In his Monday speech, Rahul Gandhi sharply criticized Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders for ‘attacking’ the idea of India.
Rahul Gandhi’s First Address as the Opposition Leader
Presenting a unified front and advancing the themes of his election campaign, Rahul Gandhi, as Leader of the Opposition, addressed a constituency that has won the most seats in a decade. Gandhi tackled many topics in his speech, including the Manipur issue, demonetization’s effects on employment, and the government’s alleged incitement of terror and bigotry in the name of Hinduism.
Addressing the Government on Various Issues
Gandhi charged that, in the name of Hinduism, the government was inciting violence and hatred and creating a climate of terror. He talked about the negative effects of demonetization on jobs and brought up the Manipur problem. In closing his over two-hour speech, he said that the opposition is prepared to cooperate with the Narendra Modi government for the good of the country.
An Angry Start in the Lok Sabha
Participating in the debate on the President’s address, Gandhi started his speech on a fiery note. He highlighted that it was the first speech by a recognized Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha in a decade. Pointing towards the ruling party, he said, “Those who call themselves Hindus… indulge in violence and hatred.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a rare intervention, countering that it was concerning to associate Hinduism with hatred and violence. Gandhi clarified that he was speaking about the BJP and that the ruling party is not the sole representative of Hinduism. “The BJP doesn’t have a monopoly on Hinduism,” he said.
Responses from High-Level Officials
It wasn’t just Modi responding. Senior ministers like Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Bhupendra Yadav also rebutted Gandhi’s claims and accusations at various points. During this time, opposition members showed solidarity with Gandhi, indicating that the electoral unity continued in the parliament.
Highlighting Hinduism’s True Values
Gandhi referred to one of his earlier themes of opposing Hindutva with the true values of Hinduism. Holding up an image of Shiva in the “Abhay Mudra” (gesture of fearlessness), he reiterated Shiva’s message of fearlessness and non-violence, echoing his “Don’t fear, don’t intimidate” message from his 2017 speeches.
Criticism of the Policies of the Modi Government
From inflation to the Manipur crisis, unemployment, demonetization, Agniveer scheme, and paper leaks, Gandhi criticized the Modi government’s policies on every issue. He accused the government of treating Agniveers as “disposable laborers” and pushing Manipur towards civil war. On NEET, he argued that it has become a “commercial” exam suitable only for wealthy students.
Condemnation of Divisive Politics
Gandhi charged that the BJP was misrepresenting the fundamentals of Hinduism and inciting violence and intolerance towards minorities. He said that Modi has attacked the opposition and instilled terror within his own party. He has also allegedly crushed criticism. He conveyed to partners inside the India bloc that he would not only represent the Congress party but would also show love and affection to other parties.
Embracing Leadership Role
“When I became the Leader of the Opposition, I felt something I had never felt before… After becoming the Leader of the Opposition, I had to put aside all my dreams, aspirations, and fears. Now I am truly two people. I am not just one person. I am a constitutional person, and my job as the Leader of the Opposition is to represent all these parties equally. I do not represent just the Congress party. I represent every single party. And I have to deal with every party with love and affection. So, when Hemant Soren or Arvind Kejriwal are in jail, it should hurt me, it should trouble me.”
Message to the Government
To the government, his message was: “There is a government in this country, and you are the government, and whether we like it or not, you are the government of India, elected by the people, and I agree with that, but I will tell you that as individual members of the Cabinet, do not spread fear in this country, do not spread hatred in this country… Do not be afraid… Members of the Cabinet, do not be afraid either. You hold a constitutional position… This country has to be run in this manner. Do not treat us as your enemies or as the opposition. We are not your enemies. We are here sincerely to make your job easier, provided you follow the basic principles we state.”
Demanding Collaborative Governance
“We are all extremely willing to talk about anything you want to talk about, without being nasty or aggressive. We’re prepared to talk about anything you’d like. So please, let’s cooperate to move this nation forward. The government is you. It is something we must acknowledge. There are 240 seats available. I commend you for that, then. At least acknowledge it. We both want to work for this country; I will state that, in a spirit of bravery, without violence, and without hatred.”
Conclusion: Appeal for Non-Violence and Truth
Gandhi invoked Lord Shiva and the “Abhay Mudra” again, emphasizing that those who call themselves Hindus are spreading violence and hatred 24/7.” Shiva says, Don’t fear, don’t fear, and shows the ‘Abhay Mudra’. He talks about non-violence and plants his trident in the ground. Those who call themselves Hindus spread violence, violence, violence, hatred, hatred, falsehood, falsehood, falsehood. You are not Hindus. Gandhi said, ‘Lord Shiva says do not fear. He plants his trident in the ground, and those who call themselves Hindus shout slogans of violence, hatred, and falsehood. You are not Hindus.’ He said that Hinduism clearly states that one must follow the truth. Always follow the truth. Showing his right hand, Gandhi said, ‘Our symbol is the Abhay Mudra.’ He asked the party members to show their symbols. As Gandhi made his point, BJP members protested and demanded an apology. Gandhi replied that they were shouting because ‘the arrow hit the heart.’
Clashes with PM Modi
“Prime Minister Modi accused Rahul of calling the entire Hindu society violent. When Rahul responded that Modi or the BJP do not represent the entire Hindu society, BJP leaders, including Shah, registered their objections. Gandhi clarified that his comments were targeted at the BJP. Gandhi said, ‘Narendra Modi is not the entire Hindu society. The BJP is not the entire Hindu society. RSS is not the entire Hindu society… The BJP has not taken a contract… Everyone here is Hindu.’ He then added that even Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, has sent a message to the BJP, shaking hands with Samajwadi Party MP Avadhesh Prasad, who defeated the BJP’s Lallu Singh in Faizabad, covering Ayodhya. Gandhi said, ‘To show you how far they have spread fear, I give you the example of Ayodhya.’ He accused those whose land was acquired for the airport in Ayodhya of not yet receiving compensation. He said, ‘The people of Ayodhya were scared, the whole country was scared.’ Gandhi repeatedly mocked a statement by the Prime Minister during an election campaign interview that he is on a mission appointed by God.
Criticism of PM’s Statements
“God speaks directly to Modi’s soul, unlike us humans,” he stated. He once questioned whether such a “message” from God was the reason behind the abrupt demonetization move. Gandhi also alluded to Modi’s assertion in an interview that people needed to watch a movie on Mahatma Gandhi in order to understand him. “Can you believe this ignorance—that the Father of the Nation was brought back to life by a movie?” Speaker Om Birla interrupted at one point, stating that everyone has to show respect for the PM. Rahul responded, expressing his deep respect for the Prime Minister and only restating his own words.
Differentiating Modi from His Ministers
Gandhi tried to differentiate Modi from his ministers. ‘When I arrived in the morning, Rajnath Singh greeted me with a smile. Now Modi is sitting there. No smile—serious. He doesn’t even say hello. Maybe he’s afraid Modi might see… That’s the story of Nitin Gadkari too. Forget the people of Ayodhya; they even intimidate BJP members.’
“Mr. Speaker, that chair is occupied by two people,” Rahul said. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is one, while Om Birla is the President of the Indian Union. There was something I noticed when I went to shake hands with you after Modi Ji did. You bowed down when Modi Ji shook hands with you, but you stood straight up when I did.”
What the speaker sir Told
Birla replied that he had learned to respect seniors from his culture and values. “My culture and morals tell me to bow down and salute people who are older than you in both my personal and public lives, including in this seat. The Prime Minister is the leader of this House. Additionally, treat others who have the same standing with respect. From the chair, I am stating this: show respect for people who are younger than you and show deference to elders by bending down and, if needed, touching their feet. I adhere to our culture and ideals, the speaker declared.
Final Response from Modi
Modi stood up again, this time to respond: ‘Democracy and the Constitution have taught me that I must take the Leader of the Opposition seriously.
Conclusion
Ever optimistic and resolute, Rahul Gandhi’s leadership has been shaped by his first act as LoP. Political leaders and citizens alike should take note of his emphasis on battling hatred, resolving fear, and promoting unity. Gandhi’s teachings on cooperation, security, and peace may help India toward a more progressive and inclusive society as it navigates its future. About his words and vision, what are your thoughts? Let us have a productive conversation towards a better India if you would like to share your thoughts in the comments section below.