New Delhi: Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of disrupting Parliament and treating national security as a political tool. The remarks came amid a heated controversy linked to the memoir of former Army chief General M. M. Naravane.
Rijiju said he was unable to understand the behaviour of the Leader of Opposition and urged senior Congress members to counsel him on parliamentary decorum. According to the minister, the functioning of the House cannot be reduced to emotional outbursts or personal politics. He stressed that issues concerning the country’s security should be handled with responsibility and dignity.
Referring to the turmoil witnessed in Parliament a day earlier, Rijiju alleged that the Lok Sabha Speaker had been deeply hurt by the conduct of certain opposition members. He claimed that a group of Congress MPs entered the Speaker’s chamber and used abusive language, creating an unprecedented situation. The minister said he was present at the time and found the episode disturbing.
Rijiju further stated that Rahul Gandhi had declared he would speak in the House without seeking permission from the Chair, which violated established rules. He reminded lawmakers that every member, including the Prime Minister, can address Parliament only after approval from the Speaker. Ignoring this procedure, he said, undermines the authority of the institution.
The minister alleged that around 20 to 25 Congress MPs were involved in the confrontation inside the Speaker’s chamber. He also claimed that senior party leaders were present and appeared to encourage the protest rather than calm the situation. According to him, the Speaker showed restraint despite the provocation.
Rijiju warned that turning Parliament into a battleground damages democracy and weakens the country’s image. He appealed to the opposition to maintain discipline and allow constructive debate on national issues instead of creating disorder.
Following the controversy, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla decided to remain away from House proceedings on Wednesday, a move seen as reflecting the seriousness of the episode.
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