RaGa’s speech put NDA on backfoot, says Baghel

Raipur: Hailing Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhis speech in the Lok Sabha on Monday, former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel remarked that all eyes in the country were on the LoP's speech and that after a long time, such a piercing speech was given in the capacity of an opposition leader. He said this while responding to state BJPs criticism of the LoP’s speech.“Everyone witnessed PM Modi’s standing up twice along with the defense minister, Home Minister, parliamentary affairs minister, and agriculture minister as Rahul Gandhi comprehensively addressed all the issues,” Baghel said.
Baghel mentioned that the LoP did not portray Hindus as violent. “The BJP is spreading misinformation against him. In reality, the history of BJP and RSS is filled with violence and intimidation,” Baghel said adding that Congress has always advocated for secularism, non-violence & brotherhood.
Baghel added that Rahul Gandhi, by showing the pictures of Lord Shiva and Guru Nanak, spoke about the teachings in Islam, emphasizing the principles of non-violence advocated by all of these religious leaders.
Pointing towards the BJP leaders, he said that neither Modi, RSS, nor BJP alone represent Hindus. BJP has created an atmosphere of violence and fear across the country, which is wrong.
Baghel accused BJP of consistently attacking the Constitution and the idea of India over the past decade. Despite these attacks, the opposition and people have protected the Constitution.
He pointed out how various opposition leaders were targeted, including himself, facing 20 lawsuits, a two-year sentence, and the confiscation of his home, all directed by PM Modi.
Baghel reiterated that Hindus are followers of truth, not aggression. Chhattisgarh has a large number of followers of Kabir and Guru Ghasidas, who also preached the path of truth and non-violence.
Baghel said that the nationalism of BJP and RSS is not Indian but imported, similar to that of Hitler and Mussolini. 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, suggesting a collaborative approach for the future of millions of children.
On the other hand, he said, BJP's training is to treat opponents as enemies and crush them, which has been their strategy.
The NDA govt was put on the backfoot by Rahul Gandhi's attack in the Lok Sabha, Baghel said. Rahul Gandhi 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 said.
For the first time, the BJP govt in Parliament was on the defensive. BJP does not represent Hindu society, which is why it misrepresents Rahul Gandhi's statements. Answering a question, Bhupesh 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.