In a daring move, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi displayed pictures of Lord Shiva, Guru Nanak, and Jesus Christ in the Lok Sabha while emphasizing the opposition's adherence to their teachings. However, his action was met with opposition from Speaker Om Birla, who stated that it violated the House's rules. In his speech, Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the ruling BJP and its pro-Hindu narrative, asserting that Hinduism is based on non-violence and resilience rather than fear, hatred, and falsehoods. This incident occurred during a discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address in a parliamentary joint sitting.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's Display of Religious Symbols in Lok Sabha
Background
During the Motion of Thanks to the President's address in a parliamentary joint sitting, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi shocked the House by displaying pictures of Lord Shiva, Guru Nanak, and Jesus Christ. This move came as a surprise to both the ruling BJP and the opposition, as it is highly unusual to display religious symbols in the Indian Parliament.
Gandhi's Statement
In his speech, Gandhi emphasized the opposition's adherence to the teachings of these religious figures. He argued that Hinduism, which is often seen as the dominant religion in India, is based on non-violence, resilience, and tolerance. He condemned the BJP's attempts to use Hinduism for political gains and spread fear and hatred among the population.
Speaker's Objection
However, Speaker Om Birla quickly objected to Gandhi's action, stating that it violated the House's rules. According to the rules, members are not allowed to display any materials or articles in the House without the Speaker's permission. Birla directed Gandhi to remove the pictures, which he did.
BJP's Response
The ruling BJP condemned Gandhi's actions, accusing him of religious appeasement and violating parliamentary norms. BJP leaders argued that the display of religious symbols in the House was inappropriate and could lead to communal tensions.
Opposition's Support
The Congress party and other opposition parties defended Gandhi's actions, arguing that he was simply expressing his religious beliefs. They accused the BJP of being intolerant and of trying to suppress freedom of expression.
FAQs
1. What are the House rules on displaying religious symbols? Members are not allowed to display any materials or articles in the House without the Speaker's permission.
2. Why did Gandhi display the pictures? Gandhi said he was emphasizing the opposition's adherence to the teachings of Lord Shiva, Guru Nanak, and Jesus Christ.
3. What was the BJP's reaction? The BJP condemned Gandhi's actions, accusing him of religious appeasement and violating parliamentary norms.
4. What did the opposition say? The Congress and other opposition parties defended Gandhi's actions, arguing that he was simply expressing his religious beliefs.
5. Was Gandhi's action unprecedented? It is highly unusual to display religious symbols in the Indian Parliament. However, there have been a few past instances of MPs displaying religious symbols, such as the display of a cross during a debate on the Christian Marriage Act in 2013.
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