Rahul Gandhi attacks BJP in LS, says Hinduism is not about spreading fear, hatred and falsehoods
New Delhi (PTI): In a fiery speech in the Lok Sabha on Monday, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on the ruling BJP, asserting that Hinduism is not about spreading fear, hatred and falsehoods.
His remarks came during a discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the president's address to a joint sitting of Parliament.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi intervened during Gandhi's speech, stating that calling the entire Hindu society violent is a serious issue. Gandhi retorted, saying "the BJP and the RSS are not the entire Hindu society".
The Congress leader further emphasised that all religions talk about courage, citing Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism to underline the importance of fearlessness.
He accused the BJP of launching systematic attacks on the Constitution and the fundamental idea of India, noting that millions of people have resisted the ideas proposed by the ruling party.
"I was attacked on the orders of Prime Minister Modi. There were 20-plus cases (against me), (my) house was taken away, 55 hours of interrogation by the ED," Gandhi said.
Despite these challenges, the MP from Rae Bareli expressed pride in the collective effort to protect the Constitution.
"It feels nice that BJP people are now repeating 'Jai samvidhan' after me," he said.
Gandhi also expressed his contentment at being in the opposition.
"I am happy and proud to be in the opposition. For us, there is something more than power, it is the truth," he said.
During his speech, Gandhi showed a picture of Lord Shiva, which prompted Speaker Om Birla to remind him that rules do not allow displaying placards in the House.
Gandhi reiterated that all religions, including Islam and Sikhism, emphasise courage and the importance of being fearless.
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Another bridge collapses in Bihar's Siwan district, seventh such incident in 15 days
Siwan (Bihar) (PTI): In a troubling trend for Bihar, a portion of a bridge over Gandaki river in Siwan district collapsed on Wednesday morning, marking the seventh such incident in the state within the past 15 days.
The small bridge, situated in the district's Deoria block, connects several villages with Mahrajganj.
No casualties have been reported so far. This is the second incident of bridge collapse in Siwan in the last 11 days.
Deputy Development Commissioner Mukesh Kumar said the exact cause is under investigation. Senior officials from the block have already reached the site, he added.
"A portion of a bridge in Deoria block collapsed this morning. The exact cause is not known so far. Senior officials of the block have reached the spot and I am also going there," he added.
"The incident took place around 5 am. As per initial information, the bridge was constructed in 1982-83. Repair work was going on the bridge for the last few days," Kumar added.
Villagers suggested that heavy rainfall over the preceding days may have contributed to the collapse, with a surge in Gandaki river potentially weakening the bridge's structure.
This incident follows another bridge collapse in Siwan just 11 days ago, underscoring growing concerns over the state of infrastructure in Bihar. On June 22, a portion of a bridge collapsed in Darounda area.
Similar incidents have been reported in districts like Madhubani, Araria, East Champaran, and Kishanganj recently, prompting the Bihar government to set up a high-level committee to investigate these occurrences.
