As Rahul Gandhi made his first speech as Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, tensions escalated in the parliament, with fiery exchanges between him and PM Modi. Criticism of the government's stance on Hindus and invoking Lord Shiva have sparked a heated debate, leading to demands for apologies and strong rebuttals. As PM Modi prepares to respond, the political drama in Lok Sabha is set to intensify.
Rahul Gandhi: From Congress President to Leader of the Opposition
Background:
Rahul Gandhi, the former President of the Indian National Congress (INC), was elected as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha on June 23, 2022. This marked a significant change in the Indian political landscape, as the INC has been out of power at the center for over eight years.
First Speech as Leader of the Opposition:
On August 2, 2022, Rahul Gandhi delivered his maiden speech as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. In his address, Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, criticizing its policies and accusing it of dividing the country.
Escalating Tensions:
Gandhi's speech sparked heated exchanges between him and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi responded by accusing Gandhi of making baseless allegations and questioned the Congress's own record in government. The atmosphere in the parliament became tense, with members of both parties interrupting each other and exchanging sharp words.
Controversy Over Lord Shiva:
One of the most controversial moments of Gandhi's speech occurred when he mentioned Lord Shiva, the Hindu god. Gandhi accused the BJP of "invoking Lord Shiva to divide the country," which drew strong criticism from the BJP and other Hindu organizations.
Demands for Apologies:
The BJP demanded an apology from Gandhi for his remarks on Lord Shiva, claiming that they were оскорбительное to the religious sentiments of Hindus. Gandhi, however, defended his statement, saying that he was merely highlighting the BJP's attempt to use religion for political gains.
Upcoming Response from PM Modi:
Prime Minister Modi is expected to respond to Gandhi's speech when the Lok Sabha reconvenes on August 3, 2022. His response is expected to be equally sharp and critical of the Congress and Rahul Gandhi.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. Why was Rahul Gandhi elected as Leader of the Opposition? A. Rahul Gandhi was elected as Leader of the Opposition as the INC is the largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha.
2. What were the main points of Gandhi's speech as Leader of the Opposition? A. Gandhi criticized the BJP government's policies, accused it of dividing the country, and highlighted issues such as inflation and unemployment.
3. Why did Gandhi's remarks on Lord Shiva cause controversy? A. Gandhi's accusation that the BJP was "invoking Lord Shiva to divide the country" was seen as insulting to Hindu religious sentiments.
4. What is the BJP's response to Gandhi's speech? A. The BJP has accused Gandhi of making baseless allegations and demanded an apology for his remarks on Lord Shiva.
5. What is expected from Prime Minister Modi's response? A. Prime Minister Modi's response is expected to be equally sharp and critical of the Congress and Rahul Gandhi.
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