New Delhi erupted in political heat on Thursday as BJP MPs unleashed a fierce attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha. The controversy stems from Gandhi’s recent claims about a yet-to-be-published book by former Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane, which he waved around during a heated debate.
BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal led the charge, accusing Gandhi of sensationalizing unverified information. ‘Rahul Gandhi only knows how to create drama out of nothing,’ Jaiswal thundered. He pointed out that Gandhi had publicly claimed to have verified quotes from the book, even stating, ‘I verify it.’ But when pressed, no evidence surfaced. ‘He didn’t even sign his statement. Such a person deserves action,’ Jaiswal demanded, highlighting that Naravane himself confirmed the book remains unpublished.
Echoing the sentiment, BJP MP Ajay Bhatt stressed the importance of sticking to facts within the House’s rules. ‘Everyone knows the opposition is spreading misinformation. Discussions must stay within legal bounds,’ he said, urging restraint on extraneous matters.
Nishikant Dubey ramped up the criticism, referencing Penguin India’s official X post denying any publication of Naravane’s book in any format. ‘If the book isn’t out, how did Rahul get it? Show the full book or apologize to the nation,’ Dubey challenged, bolstering his argument with Naravane’s recent statements.
BJP MP Shashank Mani Tripathi labeled the episode a ‘bundle of lies.’ Recalling Gandhi’s flip-flopping—from claiming a book existed, then denying it, to producing one the next day—Tripathi noted it was likely fabricated. ‘Naravane has confirmed it now. Rahul must apologize for disrupting Parliament repeatedly,’ he concluded.
The standoff underscores deepening rifts in Indian politics, with the ruling BJP accusing the opposition of deceitful tactics to derail legislative proceedings. As the monsoon session hangs in balance, demands for accountability grow louder, testing the opposition leader’s credibility amid national security sensitivities tied to Naravane’s revelations.