Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi sparks protests with remarks attacking ruling BJP in parliament [Video]

Rahul Gandhi’s maiden speech as the leader of opposition in parliament sparked protests after he tore into Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of perpetuating violence and hate in India.

His effigies were burnt in the prime minister’s constituency of Varanasi and neighbouring city of Prayagraj, as protesters chanted slogans demanding “Rahul Gandhi [to] come to sense”, reported the Times of India.

Mr Gandhi, who attended parliament armed with a copy of India’s constitution and a picture of Hindu deity Lord Shiva, launched a scathing attack on the BJP and its ideological mentor, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), on Monday, accusing them of systematically deflecting attention from issues of inflation, job crisis, and income inequality.

“Those who call themselves Hindus… are engaged in violence and hate…