Various right-wing groups gathered on Tuesday for a protest meeting against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s recent remarks in the Lok Sabha, where he criticized the BJP leaders for their alleged engagement in “violence and hate.”
Organized under the banner of Sarva Hindu Samaj, the protest at the Constitution Club saw participation from volunteers and members of several organizations including Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, Durga Vahini, Hindu Jagran Manch, Arya Samaj Pratinidhi Sabha, and Sanatan Dharma Pratinidhi Sabha. Hindu seers were also present.
“The Hindu Shakti Sangam program was organized today in protest against the portrayal of Hindus as violent and the insulting remarks made against them in Parliament,” stated the event organizer, without directly naming Rahul Gandhi.
The statement from Sarva Hindu Samaj warned against insulting Hindu society and its beliefs. “Today’s protest sends a clear message to all those who disrespect Hindu society and Sanatan Dharma, both inside and outside Parliament. They should not underestimate the patience, tolerance, and unity of the Hindu community,” it added.
Rahul Gandhi’s comments in Parliament on July 1 sparked controversy when he accused BJP leaders of not representing true Hindu values due to their involvement in what he described as “violence and hate.” His remarks led to heated debates in the Lok Sabha, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi responding by accusing Gandhi of labelling the entire Hindu community as violent.
In response, Gandhi clarified that his criticism was aimed at the BJP and its leadership, emphasizing that neither the BJP, RSS, nor Modi speaks for the entire Hindu society.