Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, lashed out at the BJP over the influence of the RSS and questioned the impartiality of the Lok Sabha Speaker, pointing out that he bowed down before Prime Minister Narendra Modi while shaking hands.
"The Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Speaker of the Indian Union, and there is Mr. Om Birla. When Modiji went and shook your hand and I went and shook your hand, I noticed something. When I shook your hand, you stood straight and shook the hand, and when Modiji shook your hand, you bowed down and shook his hand," said Rahul Gandhi.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla responded to the allegations by stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the leader of the house and his culture dictates showing respect to senior individuals by bowing down and greeting them.
In response, Rahul Gandhi acknowledged Birla's statement but emphasized that in the house, no one holds a higher position than the Speaker, and therefore, everyone should demonstrate respect towards the Speaker. Gandhi asserted that in a democracy, the Speaker is the leader of the house and should not be bowed down to by anyone.
Gandhi also targeted the BJP on matters of Hinduism, drawing a swift response from PM Modi, who characterized Gandhi's remarks as unfairly labelling the entire Hindu community. Gandhi clarified that his criticism was directed at specific political entities and not the broader Hindu community itself.
The exchange sets the stage for a tense upcoming session, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to respond to the President's address on Tuesday afternoon. Anticipation is high as the opposition remains emboldened following Gandhi's fiery assertions in Parliament.
The remarks from Rahul Gandhi have added fuel to the already simmering political atmosphere, with each party positioning itself for a battle of ideologies and leadership styles in the coming parliamentary sessions.