New Delhi, July 9, 2024 — Days after Rahul Gandhi’s combative speech in the Lok Sabha, Swami Avimukteshwarananda, the 46th Shankaracharya of Jyotir Math, has come out in support of the Congress leader. The controversy erupted during the debate on the Motion of Thanks for the President’s address when Rahul Gandhi accused BJP leaders of allegedly dividing people on communal lines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi denounced the speech, claiming that Rahul Gandhi had branded the “entire Hindu community as violent.” This accusation ignited a heated exchange in Parliament, leading to the Speaker striking off several contentious statements from the records.
The Shankaracharya, a respected figure among Hindus, offered a different perspective on the matter. “We listened attentively to Rahul Gandhi’s entire speech. He unequivocally emphasizes that Hinduism rejects violence,” the Shankaracharya said on Sunday.
In a video that has gone viral on social media, the pontiff also criticized what he called the selective dissemination of Mr. Gandhi’s speech, urging accountability for those who distort facts. “Presenting only fragments of Gandhi’s statement is misleading and unethical,” he remarked, adding that those responsible should be punished.
Congress MP and Rahul Gandhi’s sister, Priyanka Gandhi, has also defended her brother against the allegations. “Rahul can never speak against Hindus. His remarks were directed at BJP and its leaders,” she said.
A Heated Debate in Parliament
The parliamentary debate was marked by sharp exchanges between members of the Congress and the BJP. Rahul Gandhi’s speech, in which he accused BJP leaders of fostering communal divisions, has become a focal point of controversy. Prime Minister Modi’s rebuttal intensified the debate, leading to an unprecedented uproar.
Selective Misrepresentation Criticized
The Shankaracharya’s support for Rahul Gandhi highlights concerns about the selective representation of political speeches. The pontiff’s call for accountability aims to address the ethical implications of misrepresenting public statements.
Support from Priyanka Gandhi
Priyanka Gandhi’s defense of her brother underscores the unity within the Congress party amidst the controversy. She emphasized that Rahul Gandhi’s critique was aimed at specific political practices and not the Hindu community as a whole.
Conclusion
As the debate continues, the Shankaracharya’s endorsement of Rahul Gandhi’s stance on non-violence in Hinduism brings a spiritual and ethical dimension to the political discourse. This development may influence public opinion and parliamentary proceedings in the coming days.
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