New Delhi: Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday released a new video claiming that Congress members entered the Speaker’s chamber, abused him and issued threats against the Prime Minister. The development has further deepened the political confrontation that has disrupted the ongoing Budget Session.
The nine second clip shared by the minister shows a group of Opposition MPs gathered around the desk of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and speaking loudly. Birla is seen seated while BJP members stand quietly on one side. Rijiju alleged that about 20 to 25 Congress MPs had entered the chamber in an unlawful manner and created an atmosphere of intimidation.
According to the minister, the BJP believes in debate and discussion but will not tolerate any attempt to physically threaten constitutional authorities. He described the incident as an unprecedented breach of parliamentary discipline and accused the Opposition of lowering the dignity of the House.
Earlier in the week, Rijiju had released another video in which a few women Congress MPs were seen standing near the Prime Minister’s seat in the Lok Sabha holding a banner. The Prime Minister was not present in the House at that time. The minister claimed that the Opposition members refused to leave despite repeated requests from ruling party MPs.
The controversy erupted after the Speaker stopped Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from reading portions of a book written by a former Army chief regarding the Ladakh border situation. Opposition parties protested the decision, alleging that the government was trying to silence critical voices.
The Speaker later stated that he had received information suggesting that some members were planning disruptive actions, which led to the cancellation of the Prime Minister’s scheduled address. The incident has triggered one of the sharpest clashes in recent years between the ruling party and the Opposition.
Amid the escalating row, a notice seeking removal of the Speaker has also been submitted by Opposition parties. The government has dismissed the move as politically motivated and legally flawed. With both sides trading accusations, normal functioning of Parliament remains uncertain and further disruptions are expected in the coming days.
