"Rahul Gandhi said that Hindu can never be violent": Congress MP Imran Masood

"Rahul Gandhi said that a Hindu can never be violent and can never spread hatred. Such things should not be said in the name of Hindus--Rahul Gandhi said this." Masood said on Tuesday.

"If you are taking it like this, it means that you want to run away from discussions on issues--the youth, students, farmers, businessmen, and women of the country, who are all worried," Masood added.

When asked whether Rahul Gandhi would apologize to the BJP leader, the Congress MP said, "What for? Is Rahul Gandhi not a Hindu? He is a worshipper of Lord Shiva. He spoke about the teachings of Hinduism."

During his speech in Lok Sabha on Monday, Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP and RSS of preaching and spreading violence and hatred. His remarks drew protests from the Treasury benches.

The Bharatiya Janata Party, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, among others, stood up to express their protest and rebut Gandhi's remarks.

The BJP leaders accused Gandhi of "speaking lies, misleading the House, and terming the entire Hindu community violent." The Congress responded with counter-allegations against the Modi government.

Rahul Gandhi invoked Lord Shiva, Prophet Mohammad, Guru Nanak, Jesus Christ, Lord Buddha, and Lord Mahavir, stating that he had taken the idea of fearlessness from their teachings.

Several portions of Gandhi's maiden speech as Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, which targeted the central government over various issues including minorities, the NEET row, and the Agnipath scheme, among others, have been expunged from the records of Parliament.

The expunged portions included his comments on Hindus, PM Narendra Modi, the BJP, and the RSS, among others. Among the expunged remarks were his accusations against the BJP of treating minorities unfairly and perpetrating violence. Portions of Gandhi's remarks on industrialists Adani and Ambani and the Agniveer Scheme were also expunged. (ANI)