In a heated exchange in the Lok Sabha, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi repeatedly challenged Speaker Om Birla’s directive to cite only verified sources. Gandhi persisted in referencing claims from former Army Chief General MM Naravane’s alleged unpublished memoir about the Ladakh standoff with China.
Speaking during the motion of thanks to the President’s address, Gandhi described a vivid border scenario: ‘There was a border. Armies of some country were intruding across it. Four tanks were advancing in the Kailash Range.’ The chamber erupted in chaos as ruling party members protested, accusing him of violating house rules.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh intervened sharply, questioning why Naravane hadn’t pursued court orders if the government blocked the book’s publication. ‘If the book existed and its content was accurate, it would have been published,’ Singh remarked. Gandhi countered by insisting his source—a magazine—was legitimate, though he later agreed to drop direct references.
The standoff highlighted deep divisions over discussing India-China tensions. Gandhi pressed the Speaker: ‘Tell me what I should say.’ Birla responded firmly, emphasizing that debates must stick to the agenda and follow procedures impartially.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urged calm, noting the opposition leader’s reluctance to adhere to norms. Gandhi retorted, questioning which rule barred raising national security issues like border incursions. Birla clarified that the President’s address didn’t specifically mention the border dispute, urging Gandhi to focus on relevant matters.
This dramatic face-off underscores ongoing parliamentary friction, with Gandhi positioning himself as a vocal critic of the government’s handling of border security. As disruptions continued, the incident raises questions about the balance between free speech and procedural discipline in India’s highest legislative body.