New Delhi erupted in political fireworks on Monday as Union Minister Kiren Rijiju unleashed a scathing attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha. The confrontation stemmed from a heated debate on the President’s address, where Gandhi referenced a book by former army chief Naravane, triggering chaos that led to multiple adjournments.
Rijiju didn’t hold back, demanding that Gandhi first seek forgiveness from the nation for the land lost to China under Congress rule. ‘If you’re born into a big family, it doesn’t mean you’re above Parliament,’ he thundered, emphasizing the need to uphold the House’s dignity.
The minister pointed to historical lapses, noting that significant Indian territory was ceded to China before 1959 and in 1962 during Congress governments. ‘Rahul Gandhi has no right to speak on the India-China border because of these failures,’ Rijiju asserted, accusing Gandhi of flouting Speaker’s orders and wasting valuable time.
Gandhi’s repeated citations from an unverified book violated parliamentary rules, particularly Rule 349, which requires authentication of documents. Despite interventions from the Chair and Defence Minister, Gandhi persisted, shifting focus to border issues and allegedly portraying India weakly.
Rijiju expressed deep disappointment over Gandhi’s conduct, calling it unprecedented. Congress leaders cheered him on, but Rijiju urged Gandhi to guide his MPs better and apologize for past ‘sins’ on the China border. Under PM Modi’s leadership, he vowed, India will not retreat an inch.
This episode underscores deepening divides in Parliament, with the ruling BJP accusing the opposition of disrupting proceedings while prioritizing national security narratives.