New Delhi: In a big blow to PM Modi-led campaign against Rahul Gandhi, Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the 46th Shankaracharya of Jyotir Math, categorically said there was nothing against Hindus or Hinduism in the Leader of Opposition’s speech in the Lok Sabha.
Swami Avimukteshwaranand, one of the four tallest figures of Hindus, said he had listened to the whole speech of Rahul Gandhi and found nothing wrong in it.
“We listened attentively to Rahul Gandhi's speech after the matter came in front of us and found nothing against Hindus or Hinduism in it”, he said.
The Shankaracharya said on the contrary to what is being alleged, Rahul Gandhi in his speech unequivocally emphasized that Hinduism rejects violence.
Rahul Gandhi's Speech
Delivering his first speech in the Lok Sabha after becoming the Leader of Opposition (LoP) on July 01, 2024, Rahul Gandhi had accused the BJP and its leaders of spreading hate and violence against the Muslims, Dalits and other minority groups.
Referring the teachings of Hindu gods and scriptures of Islam, Sikhism, Christianity and Buddhism, Rahul Gandhi said no religion preaches hate and violence.
“But, here we have the people who call them Hindus but indulge in violence and fear mongering, and spread hate”, Rahul Gandhi said with his fingers pointing at the treasury benches.
Rahul Gandhi’s remarks sparked a massive outrage in the Lok Sabha, and PM Modi stood and said:
“Rahul Gandhi’s remarks are insult to Hindus.”
Rahul Gandhi retorted back saying he was clearly accusing the BJP, not Hindus, of indulging in hate mongering.
“I am telling you … the BJP and its leaders…. You are not Hindus… Hinduism does not preach hate and violence but you only talk about hate, hate and only hate….. Violence, violence and only violence”, he said.
"Misleading, unethical"
Commenting on the entire controversy created by the BJP, the Shankaracharya also slammed the Saffron brigade for manipulating Rahul Gandhi’s speech to create confusion.
The Shankaracharya also demanded action against those using part of Rahul Gandhi’s speech and sharing on social media.
“Presenting only fragments of Rahul Gandhi's speech is misleading, unethical and crime. Those doing this must be punished," the Shankaracharya said without directly naming the BJP.
Shankaracharya pointing out that Rahul didn’t say anything against Hindu religion. The channels & BJP IT cell spreading disinformation against him should be prosecuted pic.twitter.com/MmZm8U6vuf
— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) July 8, 2024
In another blow to the BJP’s campaign calling Rahul Gandhi “anti-Hindu”, the Hindu Saints in Maharashtra have invited the Congress leader and the Leader of the Opposition, to participate in Pandharpur Yatra or Wari pilgrimage from Pune to Pandharpur.
Rahul Gandhi has confirmed his participation in the Pandharpur Wari on July 13 and 14, 2024.
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