Swami Avimukteshwarananda of Jyotir Math endorses Rahul Gandhi’s stance on Hinduism and violence, criticizes selective portrayal of speech

New Delhi: Swami Avimukteshwarananda, the 46th Shankaracharya of Jyotir Math, has thrown his support behind Rahul Gandhi following a contentious speech in the Lok Sabha. Gandhi’s remarks during the debate on the Motion of Thanks for the President’s address sparked controversy, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing him of labelling the entire Hindu community as violent. This accusation led to heated exchanges in Parliament and the expungement of several statements from the records by the Speaker.

In a video circulating widely on social media, the Shankaracharya, a highly respected figure among Hindus, offered a contrasting viewpoint. “We listened attentively to Rahul Gandhi’s entire speech. He unequivocally emphasizes that Hinduism rejects violence,” the Shankaracharya stated on Sunday.

The pontiff also criticized what he described as the selective dissemination of Rahul Gandhi’s speech, calling for accountability for those distorting facts. “Presenting only fragments of Gandhi’s statement is misleading and unethical,” he remarked, advocating consequences for those responsible.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi’s sister, also defended him against the allegations, asserting, “Rahul can never speak against Hindus. His remarks were directed at BJP and its leaders.”

Analysis:

Political: The Shankaracharya’s endorsement carries significant political implications, highlighting divisions within the political discourse over communal issues and the interpretation of Rahul Gandhi’s statements. It underscores the role of religious leaders in shaping public perception and political narratives.

Social: The controversy reflects broader societal tensions regarding religious identity and political rhetoric, illustrating the complexities of discussing communal harmony and religious tolerance in public forums.

Cultural: Rahul Gandhi’s remarks and their aftermath underscore ongoing debates within Hindu communities about representation, perception, and political alignment, impacting cultural discourse and interfaith relations.