Pune: On Monday, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, accused the BJP of spreading violence, hatred, and fear across the country, declaring, "These BJP people are not Hindus." This statement sparked a strong backlash from BJP members and led to widespread protests by the party across the nation.
In Pune, BJP workers demonstrated aggressively in front of the Congress Bhavan, where Congress workers were also present. The situation grew tense as both sides faced off, but the police intervened to calm the crowd.
Rahul Gandhi's remarks on Hindus prompted condemnation from ministers and leaders of the ruling party. BJP organized protests in various cities, including Pune.
Outside the Congress Bhavan in Pune, BJP activists chanted slogans and staged a protest. At the same time, Congress workers inside the Bhavan responded with their own slogans. The confrontation between the two groups escalated to the point of potential physical altercations. Police intervened, restoring order and detaining several protesters.
During the discussion on the motion of thanks for the President's address, Rahul Gandhi stated, "A Hindu can never commit violence, spread hatred, or instill fear. However, the BJP has created fear among youths, students, farmers, laborers, backward classes, women, and minorities.
But minorities stand firm as a rock behind this country. This is a country of non-violence, not fear. Lord Shiva says - do not fear, do not frighten. He speaks of non-violence. Those who call themselves Hindus speak of violence and hatred 24 hours a day. You (BJP) cannot be Hindus."
