Rahul's fiery debut speech

Attacks BJP saying its leaders aren't Hindus; criticises Agniveer scheme, NEET examination

- PREETHA NAIR

THE Lok Sabha witnessed a massive showdown on Monday after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a blistering attack on the BJP in his debut speech, saying the leaders of the ruling party are not Hindus as they engage in "violence and hate" round the clock.

The remark prompted sharp responses from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, accusing Rahul of portraying the entire Hindu community as violent.

In his speech that lasted nearly two hours, the Congress leader hit out at the government over a range of issues from NEET to Agniveer to farm distress, unemployment and inflation among others.