### **Rahul Gandhi's New Avatar as Leader of the Opposition: A Fiery Debut

**New Delhi:** On Monday afternoon, Rahul Gandhi appeared in a new avatar as he spoke for the first time as the Leader of the Opposition during the discussion on the President's address in the Lok Sabha. His speech marked a significant moment, showcasing his evolved political persona and strategic prowess.

#### **A Day of High Drama in Lok Sabha**

Gandhi launched fierce attacks on the BJP and the NDA, addressing over 20 issues fluently, which made Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other leaders of the ruling party visibly uncomfortable. His remarks on Hindutva stirred the session, prompting Prime Minister Modi to interrupt and assert that labeling the entire Hindu community as violent is a serious matter. Home Minister Amit Shah stood up four times, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh twice, and other BJP leaders, including Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, frequently countered Gandhi's statements. Despite appeals from Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to maintain decorum, Gandhi continued until he completed his speech.

#### **Key Issues Raised**

Gandhi's 90-minute speech, delivered amidst loud applause from the INDIA coalition MPs and frequent interruptions from the Treasury benches, covered a range of critical issues. These included the protection of the Constitution, farmers' issues, Agniveer, NEET exams, injustices against the poor and minorities, reservations, and BJP's defeat in Ayodhya. His focused and incisive commentary struck a chord, making top BJP leaders uneasy. Gandhi had hinted at a stormy session with a video shared on his Instagram account the previous day.

#### **Opposition's Walkout and Heated Exchanges**

The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha witnessed a stormy scene on Monday. The BJP's strong objections to Gandhi's remarks led to an uproar. PM Modi stood up during the session to assert that it was wrong to call Hindus violent, while Home Minister Amit Shah demanded an apology from Gandhi. The heavy commotion led the opposition to walk out of the Lok Sabha. In the Rajya Sabha, there were also heated exchanges between Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, Kiren Rijiju, and other members over various issues, including the relocation of statues.

#### **A Confrontation of Ideologies**

On the sixth day of the first session of the Lok Sabha, during the discussion on the vote of thanks for President Droupadi Murmu's address, PM Modi and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi came face to face. Gandhi began his speech with "Jai Samvidhan" and criticized the Modi government, eventually delving into Hindutva. His remarks, claiming that those who call themselves Hindus only talk about violence and spread hatred, triggered a massive uproar. Displaying a picture of Lord Shiva, Gandhi stated that it symbolizes fearlessness and non-violence, contrasting with the BJP's narrative.

#### **Defending the Constitution and Raising Concerns**

Gandhi also raised issues related to the NEET exam and often having his microphone turned off. Speaker Om Birla clarified that the control of the microphones is not in the hands of the presiding officer but managed by technical staff, addressing allegations that opposition members' mics were being switched off deliberately.

#### **BJP's Counterattack**

Following Gandhi's 'Hindu' remarks, the BJP began a strong counterattack. The BJP accused Gandhi of degrading the dignity of the Leader of the Opposition and making irresponsible statements. Central ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw, Kiren Rijiju, and spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi held a press conference, accusing Gandhi of insulting the entire Hindu community. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that Hinduism is the soul of India, representing tolerance, generosity, and gratitude, and demanded an apology from Gandhi for allegedly wounding India's soul.

#### **Congress Defends Its Stance**

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi defended her brother, stating that his comments were directed against the BJP, not Hindus. Reports also emerged of Sonia, Rahul, and Priyanka Gandhi meeting Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in his chamber. Political sources indicate that, following instructions from PM Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Parliamentary Affairs Minister, and other senior BJP leaders are engaged in extensive consultations on the events that unfolded in Parliament.

#### **Looking Ahead**

It remains to be seen how PM Modi will respond to Rahul Gandhi's remarks during his reply to the discussion on the President's address on the final day of the Parliament session on Tuesday. The political drama in the Lok Sabha underscores the intensifying battle between the ruling party and the opposition, with Rahul Gandhi stepping into his new role with a combative and assertive approach.