Swami Avimukteshwarananda Defends Rahul Gandhi’s Speech on Hinduism and Violence
Chamoli, 8th July 2024: Following Rahul Gandhi’s impassioned speech in the Lok Sabha, Swami Avimukteshwarananda, the 46th Shankaracharya of Jyotir Math, has voiced his support for the Congress leader. The speech, delivered during the debate on the Motion of Thanks for the President’s address, sparked controversy as Gandhi accused BJP leaders of sowing communal discord.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the speech, alleging that Rahul Gandhi had portrayed the “entire Hindu community as violent.” This led to a fiery exchange in Parliament, resulting in the Speaker expunging several contentious remarks from the official records.
The Shankaracharya, a revered figure in the Hindu community, offered a different perspective. “We carefully listened to Rahul Gandhi’s entire speech. He explicitly emphasized that Hinduism unequivocally rejects violence,” the Shankaracharya affirmed on Sunday.
In a widely circulated video on social media, the spiritual leader also condemned the selective dissemination of Gandhi’s speech, calling for accountability for those who manipulate facts. “Presenting only segments of Gandhi’s statement is misleading and unethical,” he remarked, advocating for consequences for those responsible.
Congress MP and Rahul Gandhi’s sister, Priyanka Gandhi, also defended her brother against the accusations. “Rahul would never speak against Hindus. His remarks were directed solely at the BJP and its leadership,” she asserted.
