SSDF holds protest against Rahul Gandhi in Jammu, demands apology

PTI, Jul 2, 2024, 4:16 PM IST

The Shiv Sena Dogra Front (SSDF) staged a protest march on Tuesday in response to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s comments regarding Hinduism in the Lok Sabha.

The protestors demanded an apology from Gandhi, accusing him of intentionally offending the Hindu majority to appease another community supportive of his party.

Led by SSDF chief Ashok Gupta, activists marched through the city, carrying national flags, placards, and images of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, loudly demanding Gandhi’s public apology.

Gupta stated, “This issue is about respect and dignity for the Hindu community, not about Hindus versus Muslims. It is about dirty politics being played.”

Criticizing Gandhi’s remarks, Gupta queried, “Are Hindus inherently violent? Do 110 crore Hindus engage in violence and spread hatred? Rahul Gandhi’s statement is shameful and derogatory towards Hindus.”

Highlighting demographic changes, he added, “In 1947, there were five crore Muslims in India and now there are 20 crores. Is it because Hindus were violent and intolerant? Pakistan had 20 per cent Hindus, but now only two per cent. Who is truly responsible for spreading hatred?”

Displaying a picture of Bal Thackeray, Gupta questioned, “Was he violent and spreading hatred? His son must answer this. One cannot denigrate the entire Hindu community.”

Previously, the BJP protested in Parliament after Gandhi claimed ruling party members are “not Hindus” due to their promotion of division and violence. His controversial remarks from the Motion of Thanks discussion on the President’s Address in the Lok Sabha were later expunged.