Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: In response to the expunging of several remarks he made in the Lok Sabha, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi stated on Tuesday that “everything is expunged in PM Modi’s world.”
“Truth can be expunged in Modi ji’s world. But in reality, the truth can’t be expunged. I said what I had to say, that is the truth. They can expunge as much as they want. Truth is truth,” Gandhi told reporters outside Parliament.
During his first address as the Leader of the Opposition, Gandhi accused the ruling party leaders of fostering communal divisions. This accusation sparked massive protests from the treasury benches, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemning Gandhi for allegedly labeling the entire Hindu community as violent.
Gandhi made his remarks during the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address to a joint sitting of Parliament. He quoted Prophet Muhammad to emphasize the Quran’s teachings on fearlessness. Holding up pictures of Lord Shiva, Guru Nanak, and Jesus Christ, Gandhi highlighted the teachings of Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, Buddhism, and Jainism, underscoring the universal message of “daro mat, darao mat” (do not be scared, do not scare others).
His speech provoked an uproar from the treasury benches, leading the Chair to strike his remarks from the official record. The expunged statements included Gandhi’s accusations against the BJP for treating minorities unfairly, his comments on industrialists Adani and Ambani, his claim that the NEET exam favors the wealthy over meritorious students, and his assertion that the Agniveer Scheme originates from the Prime Minister’s Office rather than the Indian Army.
Throughout his hour-and-forty-minute speech, Gandhi faced multiple interjections, including two from PM Modi and at least five cabinet ministers. Home Minister Amit Shah demanded an apology from Gandhi.
“It is not just one religion that talks about courage. In fact, all our religions talk about courage,” Gandhi stated, as his mother Sonia Gandhi and sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra watched from the visitors’ gallery.
Amid the protests from the treasury bench members, Gandhi challenged the BJP, saying, “Aap Hindu ho hi nahi” (You are not Hindus). He emphasized that Hinduism advocates for standing with the truth and not backing down or being scared of it.
PM Modi, intervening in the speech, highlighted the seriousness of Gandhi’s remarks, saying, “Calling the entire Hindu community violent is a serious issue.”
In his concluding remarks, Gandhi urged the ruling party not to spread fear or hatred. “Do not think of the opposition as your enemies. We are ready to discuss anything you want to. Let us work together to take the country forward,” he said.
