Rahul Gandhi Gets Surprise Backing From Shankaracharya After Row Over 'Hindus Are Violent' Remark

Swami Avimukteshwarananda, the 46th Shankaracharya of Jyotir Math, has voiced his support for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi following a contentious speech in the Lok Sabha.

The controversy began during the debate on the Motion of Thanks for the President's address when Gandhi accused BJP leaders of allegedly dividing people along communal lines.

Photo Credit: PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded strongly to Gandhi's speech, claiming that Gandhi had labelled "the entire Hindu community as violent."

This accusation led to a heated exchange in Parliament, with the Speaker eventually striking off several contentious statements from the records.

Shankaracharya's Perspective

The Shankaracharya, a revered figure among Hindus, offered a different viewpoint. "We listened attentively to Rahul Gandhi's entire speech. He unequivocally highlighted that Hinduism rejects violence," he stated on Sunday.

In a video circulating widely on social media, the pontiff also slammed what he termed as selective dissemination of Gandhi's speech.

"Presenting only fragments of Gandhi's statement is misleading and unethical," he remarked, adding that those responsible should be punished.

Support from Priyanka Gandhi

Congress MP and Rahul Gandhi's sister, Priyanka Gandhi, has also defended her brother against these allegations.

"Rahul can never speak against Hindus. His remarks were directed at BJP and its leaders," she said.

The Shankaracharya urged accountability for those who distort facts. He stressed that presenting only parts of someone's statement can mislead people and is unethical.

This incident has sparked significant debate and discussion within political circles and among the public. The differing perspectives highlight the ongoing tensions between political parties in India.

The controversy continues to unfold as both sides stand firm on their positions. The impact of this debate on future parliamentary sessions remains to be seen.