sanjay-raut-supports-rahul-gandhi-on-bjp-s-hindutva-stance

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has backed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's recent remarks in Parliament, which have stirred significant political controversy. Raut emphasised that the INDIA bloc, which includes the Shiv Sena (UBT), does not support what he termed the "fake Hindutva" promoted by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

 

In a media address in the national capital, Raut stated that Gandhi's comments about Hindutva being distinct from the ideology of the BJP were accurate. According to Raut, Hindutva is a broader concept that the BJP does not fully comprehend. He clarified that Gandhi did not criticise Hindus but rather pointed out the BJP's misinterpretation of Hindutva.

 

The controversy began with Rahul Gandhi's speech in the Lok Sabha, his first as the Leader of the Opposition, during which he criticised the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for spreading hatred and violence.

 

This led to protests from BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, who demanded an apology from Gandhi. They accused him of misleading the House and labelling the entire Hindu community as violent.

 

Gandhi's speech covered several contentious issues, including the NEET-UG controversy and the Agniveer scheme. He criticised the Agniveer scheme, claiming it offers temporary employment without the benefits typically afforded to soldiers, such as pensions.

 

Gandhi argued that Agniveers, who serve for only four years, are not given the same recognition or benefits as regular soldiers, and he referred to them as "use and throw labourers."

 

Gandhi also invoked the Hindu symbol 'Abhayamudra,' which represents fearlessness and reassurance, as a symbol of the Congress party. He argued that true Hinduism, as taught by great spiritual leaders, emphasises non-violence and truth, contrasting this with the BJP's promotion of violence and hatred.

 

The BJP leaders responded strongly, accusing Gandhi and the Congress of spreading falsehoods and demanded an apology. In response, the Congress held a press conference to counter the BJP's allegations and to defend Gandhi's statements.

 

As the debate on the motion of thanks on President Draupadi Murmu's address continued, Prime Minister Modi criticised Gandhi's remarks, calling them a serious matter. The session saw heated exchanges, with both parties defending their positions vigorously.

 

The political drama is set to continue, with PM Modi scheduled to deliver his reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's address. Various other leaders, including JP Nadda, MoS Jadhav Prataprao Ganpatrao, and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, are also expected to lay papers on the table in Lok Sabha.

 

This incident highlights the deepening political divide and the intense scrutiny of the BJP's policies and rhetoric by opposition parties. The debate over what constitutes true Hindutva and the role of the BJP in promoting its version of this ideology is likely to remain a significant point of contention in Indian politics.