In response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed that Gandhi had referred to the “entire Hindu community as violent.” To this, Rahul Gandhi replied, “Narendra Modi ji is not the entire Hindu community, the BJP is not the entire Hindu community, the RSS is not the entire Hindu community”.
Swami Avimukteshwarananda, in a now-viral video, asserted that Gandhi’s speech did not contradict Hinduism, stating, “We heard Rahul Gandhi’s entire speech. He is clearly saying that there is no place for violence in Hinduism.” “I saw his entire video and found out that he had not said anything wrong,” Swami Avimukteshwarananda replied when a journalist sought his views on Rahul’s remarks in Parliament.
Prashant Bhushan, senior lawyer and activist, posted the video on X, and said, “Shankaracharya pointing out that Rahul didn’t say anything against Hindu religion. The channels & BJP IT cell spreading disinformation against him should be prosecuted.”
The Shankaracharya also pointed out that spreading only a part of Gandhi’s statement was incorrect and called for the punishment of those responsible for doing so. “Spreading half-truths by editing speeches is a crime, and such people should be punished, whether they are from a newspaper or a channel … Later, Rahul Gandhi clarified that his statement was directed at the party led by the Centre, alleging that they are promoting violence under the guise of religion,” the Shankaracharya added.
Priyanka Gandhi, Congress MP, also defended her brother, saying, “My brother (Rahul) can never speak against Hindus. He has spoken about BJP and about BJP leaders.”
The remarks by Rahul Gandhi had caused an uproar in the Lok Sabha, leading to several statements being struck off the record by the Speaker.