Indian opposition leader and member of Indian National Congress Rahul Gandhi recited Durood Sharif as he mentioned Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) while addressing the Lok Sabha, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Tuesday.

While sending blessings on the Holy Prophet (PBUH), Rahul Gandhi said that all the great personalities spoke of non-violence, spoke of eliminating fear and said: “do not be afraid.” Gandhi quoted Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to highlight that the Holy Quran talks about fearlessness.

In his address, Gandhi further said that BJP leaders are spreading hatred, fear and violence. BJP leaders claim to be Hindus but at the same time spread hatred, he added.

Rahul Gandhi’s statement angered the BJP and Prime Minister Modi said that the opposition leader had accused the entire Hindu community of violence. Modi demanded an apology from the opposition leader Rahul Gandhi for the statement.

In response, Rahul Gandhi said that Narendra Modi and the RSS are not the entire Hindu society. He said that BJP is always spreading fear and promoting violence and hatred.

Holding up pictures of Guru Nanak, Lord Shiva and Jesus Christ, the opposition leader referred to Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, Buddhism and Jainism to underline the importance of fearlessness. Gandhi also cited the attributes of Lord Shiva and the teachings of Guru Nanak, Buddha, Jesus Christ and Mahavir to state that all religions and great people say, “daro mat, darao mat” (do not be scared, do not scare others)”.

As the opposition leader’s remarks triggered an uproar from the treasury benches, it further led to the chair striking it off record.

Several portions of the maiden speech of Rahul Gandhi as Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha targeting the BJP-led government over various issues, including minorities, Agnipath scheme among others, have been expunged from the records of the Parliament on the orders of the speaker.

The portions expunged include his comments on Hindus, and PM Narendra Modi-BJP-RSS among others.

Rahul Gandhi in his speech in Lok Sabha on Monday afternoon, during the debate on the motion of thanks on President Draupadi Murmu's address accused the BJP and RSS of preaching and spreading violence and hatred.