From taunts to jibes: Rahul Gandhi makes LoP debut with no-holds-barred attack on BJP

The Monday proceedings in the Lok Sabha saw a charged opposition, led by Rahul Gandhi, who took aims at the Modi government over a host of issues but kept the NEET chaos at the centre of his attack.

But what started as a discussion over the medical entrance exam row, soon turned into a showdown between Gandhi and the BJP stalwarts over a myriad of issues, including Agniveer and Manipur crisis. Prime Minister Modi got up from his seat twice to interject as the Raebarilie MP spoke in response to the President's speech.

Rahul's maiden speech as the Leader of the Opposition was laced with jibes, slavos, and, at times, personal taunts, triggering repeated, but rare, interjections also from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.

Rahul spoke for around 30 to 40 minutes during which the Congress MP appeared unhinged, even as he continued to hold Narendra Modi accountable. He also took aim at the speaker recalling Om Birla's handshake with Prime Minister Modi.

The Gandhi scion started his speech by holding up a picture of Lord Shiva, prompting Speaker Om Birla to remind him that rules do not allow displaying placards in the House.

He then took a swipe at the ruling BJP, saying that those who call themselves Hindus are engaged in "violence and hate" round the clock. Pandemonium ensued in the lower house as soon as Rahul made this remark.