By: The Trek News Desk
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday strongly criticised Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his speech during the Lok Sabha debate on the Union Budget, alleging that it was “based entirely on falsehoods.” He stated that the ruling alliance would move to have certain remarks removed from the official records of the House.
Speaking to the media shortly after Rahul Gandhi’s address, Rijiju said the government would submit a formal notice to the Speaker seeking verification of the claims made by the Congress leader. “We will request that the misleading and false statements be expunged from the House proceedings,” he said.
The Minister further asserted that although Rahul Gandhi had expressed willingness to substantiate his claims, he would not be able to do so. Rijiju accused him of making serious allegations and then leaving the House before the concerned ministers could respond.
Calling the situation unfortunate, Rijiju remarked that the conduct did not reflect the seriousness expected from the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. He added that while the ruling party would politically counter the statements outside Parliament, appropriate procedural action would be initiated within the House.
Rijiju also alleged that Rahul Gandhi made serious accusations against Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri without prior notice, describing it as a potential breach of parliamentary privilege. He confirmed that a necessary notice would be filed with the Speaker regarding the matter.
According to the Minister, he had urged Rahul Gandhi to remain present in the House during Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s reply to the Budget discussion. However, Gandhi reportedly exited the House immediately after delivering his speech. Rijiju noted that parliamentary norms discourage members from leaving right after speaking.
During his address, Rahul Gandhi had accused the government of compromising national interests through the India-U.S. interim trade agreement, alleging that it affected India’s energy security and farmers’ welfare.
Responding to these claims, Rijiju stated that India’s sovereignty cannot be “sold or bought” by anyone. He pointed out that while India was once counted among the “Fragile Five” economies in 2011-12, it has now emerged as the world’s fourth-largest economy and is on track to become the third-largest.
The exchange has intensified political tensions, with further debate on the issue expected both inside and outside Parliament.
Source: News Agencies
