Why did Rahul Gandhi show Lord Shiva images in Lok Sabha?

The Leader of Opposition and Congress MP, Rahul Gandhi, on Monday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Lok Sabha, by showing posters of religious figures, including Lord Shiva - which was opposed by Speaker Om Birla. He further triggered a row by saying that those who call themselves Hindus are engaged in “violence and hate”.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi (Sansad TV)

Holding a picture of Lord Shiva, Gandhi began his address in the Lok Sabha with “Jai Samvidhan” and said that his message is about “fearlessness” and “non-violence”.

“If you look at Lord Shiva's image, you would know that Hindus can never spread fear and hatred, but BJP spreads fear and hatred 24/7…All religions and all our great men talk about non-violence and fearlessness, but those who call themselves Hindus only talk about violence, hatred and falsehood…Aap Hindu ho hi nahi (You are not Hindus),” the Congress leader said.