New Delhi, July 8: Swami Avimukteshwarananda, the 46th Shankaracharya of Jyotir Math in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, has come forward to defend Congress leader Rahul Gandhi amidst the ongoing controversy regarding Gandhi’s speech as Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. In his address, Gandhi accused BJP leaders of fostering communal divisions, a statement that sparked a fierce backlash from BJP members and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who alleged that Gandhi had branded the entire Hindu community as violent.
Swami Avimukteshwarananda, a respected spiritual leader, clarified on Sunday that Gandhi’s speech was in alignment with the core principles of Hinduism. “I listened to Rahul Gandhi’s entire speech. He clearly stated that there is no place for violence in Hinduism,” Swami Avimukteshwarananda asserted. He criticized the selective and partial dissemination of Gandhi’s statements, calling for accountability for those who distorted his words.
The Shankaracharya emphasized that the essence of Hinduism is peace and non-violence, aligning with Gandhi’s statements. “Rahul Gandhi’s speech did not contradict Hindu values; it reinforced them by advocating against violence,” he added.
Rahul Gandhi’s remarks in the Lok Sabha led to significant uproar, with members of the BJP demanding retractions and an official apology. The Speaker of the House struck several of Gandhi’s statements from the official record due to the contentious nature of the debate.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah was vocal in his condemnation, asserting that Gandhi’s comments had hurt the sentiments of Hindus across the country. Shah demanded a public apology from Gandhi, accusing him of intentionally inciting communal tensions.
In defense of her brother, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi firmly stated, “My brother can never speak against Hindus. He has only criticized the BJP and its leaders, not the Hindu community as a whole.”
The controversy has highlighted the deep political and ideological divisions within Indian politics, with both sides accusing each other of misrepresenting Hindu values for political gain. Swami Avimukteshwarananda’s intervention adds a significant spiritual dimension to the debate, emphasizing the importance of accurate representation and the foundational values of Hinduism.
