Baghel: Modi’s BJP Misrepresents Hindus, Spreads Misinformation About Gandhi’s Speech

RaipurFormer Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel praised Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s speech in the Lok Sabha on Monday, highlighting that all eyes were on Gandhi’s address. Baghel noted that it had been a long time since an opposition leader delivered such a piercing speech, responding to the Chhattisgarh BJP’s criticism.Baghel pointed out that during the speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood up twice, along with the Defense Minister, Home Minister, Parliamentary Affairs Minister, and Agriculture Minister, as Gandhi comprehensively addressed various issues.

He clarified that Gandhi did not portray Hindus as violent and accused the BJP of spreading misinformation. According to Baghel, the history of the BJP and RSS is filled with violence and intimidation, whereas the Congress has always promoted secularism, non-violence, and brotherhood.Baghel mentioned that Gandhi, by showing pictures of Lord Shiva and Guru Nanak, and discussing Islamic teachings, emphasized the principles of non-violence advocated by religious leaders. He added that when Gandhi displayed the picture of Lord Shiva, BJP members were enraged. Gandhi pointed out that neither Modi, RSS, nor BJP alone represent Hindus and criticized the BJP for creating an atmosphere of violence and fear across the country.Baghel accused the BJP of consistently attacking the Constitution and the idea of India over the past decade. Despite these attacks, he noted, the opposition and the people have protected the Constitution. He recounted how various opposition leaders, including himself, were targeted with lawsuits, sentences, and confiscations directed by the Prime Minister.Reiterating that Hindus are followers of truth, not aggression, Baghel highlighted that Chhattisgarh has many followers of Kabir and Guru Ghasidas, who preached truth and non-violence. He argued that those who follow the path of truth cannot commit violence or indulge in intimidation and conspiracy.

The BJP and RSS have historically used fear, while the Congress follows the tradition of truth upheld by saints, scholars, and social reformers.Baghel also asserted that the nationalism of the BJP and RSS is imported, akin to that of Hitler and Mussolini. He emphasized that Mahatma Gandhi’s approach was to resolve differences through dialogue, a principle Rahul Gandhi highlighted in his first speech after the Lok Sabha elections, where he raised the NEET issue and suggested a collaborative approach for the future of millions of children. However, Baghel claimed that BJP’s strategy is to treat opponents as enemies and crush them. Rahul Gandhi’s attack in the Lok Sabha put the NDA government on the defensive. He emphasized that Hindu society is much larger and inclusive, beyond BJP, Modi, and RSS, conveying the essence of Indian civilization and Sanatan culture: “Do not fear, do not intimidate.”Baghel concluded by saying that for the first time, the BJP government in Parliament was on the defensive. BJP does not represent Hindu society, which is why it misrepresents Rahul Gandhi’s statements. Answering a question, Baghel said that PM Modi is not a true Hindu as he does not follow Hindu traditions. He questioned why Modi was not accompanied by his wife during the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, as per Hindu tradition, a married man performs rituals with his wife. He also pointed out that Modi did not perform the mandatory head-shaving ritual after his mother’s death.