The Aryavarth Express
New Delhi [India], February 2: Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Monday criticised the government after being prevented from referring to an unpublished memoir of former Army Chief General M.M. Naravane during the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address.
Gandhi attempted to cite a magazine article on the 2020 border standoff with China in eastern Ladakh, which referenced Naravane’s unpublished memoir. His remarks drew strong objections from the treasury benches, leading to repeated disruptions and the eventual adjournment of the House for the day.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the book was being deliberately withheld from publication and questioned the government’s reluctance to allow discussion on the former Army Chief’s views.
“This is not my opinion. These are the words of the former Army Chief. Why are they so scared of his perspective? If it comes out, people will learn the truth about the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister, and how the Army was let down by the political leadership,” Gandhi said.
He added that he only wanted to quote a few lines in the House on a matter of national security and questioned why he was not being allowed to speak. Gandhi maintained that leadership during a crisis requires clear direction and accountability, which he claimed was lacking during the standoff.
The Lok Sabha witnessed repeated interruptions as BJP members objected, arguing that Gandhi was violating parliamentary rules by referring to an unpublished and unauthenticated source. Speaker Om Birla ruled that references to the unpublished book and the related article were not permissible and asked the Leader of Opposition to continue his speech without those references.
When the House reconvened after adjournments at 3 pm and 4 pm, the Speaker reiterated that proceedings must adhere to parliamentary rules. However, the deadlock persisted, and the House was eventually adjourned for the day.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accused Rahul Gandhi of violating House rules and attempting to demoralise the armed forces. He said the Congress leader ignored the Speaker’s ruling despite repeated warnings and wasted the House’s time.
Rijiju also questioned whether any individual was above parliamentary rules and demanded an apology from Gandhi. He further suggested that the House should consider what action should be taken against a member who does not comply with the Speaker’s directions.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also urged the Chair not to permit references to the unpublished memoir.
The stalemate disrupted the first day of discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address, underscoring continued tensions between the government and the opposition in Parliament.
