New Delhi: The confrontation between the Treasury benches and the Opposition intensified on Wednesday (Feb 11) as Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju strongly criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the controversy surrounding references to former Army chief General MM Naravane’s unpublished memoir in the Lok Sabha.
Calling the episode deeply unfortunate, Rijiju said defence and national security matters must not be politicised.
“It’s not right to use our security as a political weapon and undermine anyone’s dignity,” he said, reacting to the uproar that erupted after Gandhi attempted to cite an article referring to Naravane’s memoir during the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address.
‘Cannot teach lessons to Rahul Gandhi’
Expressing frustration over the Opposition’s conduct, Rijiju said he was unable to comprehend Rahul Gandhi’s approach inside Parliament.
“I cannot teach lessons to Rahul Gandhi ji. I can’t understand what world he lives in. What ideology drives his actions? Senior members of Congress should explain to him that Parliament cannot function like this. Don’t behave like children here. Our country is huge, and security is a significant issue,” Rijiju said.
He reiterated that parliamentary decorum and institutional procedures must be respected by all members, irrespective of political affiliation.
Speaker’s chamber incident
Referring to the events that unfolded a day earlier, Rijiju claimed that the situation escalated beyond the floor of the House and extended to the Speaker’s chamber.
“As I said, the Speaker is very hurt. I have even spoken to the Speaker. They went to the Speaker’s chamber and abused him, said bad things. Then the Speaker gave a ruling, which was not followed and then Rahul Gandhi said that he does not need anyone’s permission to speak. He will speak as per his wish, without any rules,” Rijiju alleged.
The minister emphasised that no member is permitted to speak in the House without prior approval from the Chair.
“Unless permission is given by the Chair, members cannot speak in the House. Even the Prime Minister will speak only with the permission of the Chair. Everyone speaks only with permission,” he said.
Rijiju further claimed that “at least 20-25 Congress MPs entered the Lok Sabha Speaker’s chamber and abused him.” He added that he was present during the incident and alleged that senior Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and KC Venugopal, were inside the chamber and “encouraging them to fight.”
Political fallout
The remarks come amid heightened tensions in Parliament over the Naravane memoir issue, which led to uproar, repeated adjournments, and the suspension of eight Opposition MPs earlier this week.
Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla decided to stay out of Parliament proceedings on Wednesday, as the standoff between the government and the Opposition continued.
With both sides trading accusations, the controversy has added to the already charged atmosphere of the ongoing Budget Session.
