New Delhi erupted in political heat on Wednesday as Union Minister Kiren Rijiju announced plans to file a privilege motion against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. Speaking at a press conference, Rijiju sharply criticized Gandhi’s statements during the Lok Sabha budget debate, accusing him of misleading the House with baseless allegations.
Rijiju emphasized the strict parliamentary rules governing proceedings in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. ‘Any member wishing to level serious charges against another must give prior notice and provide evidence,’ he stated firmly. Gandhi’s failure to adhere to these protocols, according to Rijiju, constitutes a blatant violation warranting immediate action.
The minister lambasted Gandhi for offering no substantive suggestions on the budget, instead resorting to what he called ‘wild and unfounded accusations.’ Rijiju recalled urging Gandhi to stay in the House when Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman responds at 5 PM, challenging him to substantiate his claims on the floor.
Delving into specifics, Rijiju countered Gandhi’s narrative on India’s economy by referencing former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s 2014 statement. Official records from that era projected India as the world’s third-largest economy by 2030. ‘Prime Minister Narendra Modi has fast-forwarded this vision,’ Rijiju declared. India has surged to the fourth position and is on track to claim the third spot within two to three years.
Pre-2014, India languished at 11th place, branded part of the ‘fragile five’ economies. Under the current government, it has leaped forward dramatically. Rijiju dismissed Gandhi’s claim that ‘India has been sold off,’ retorting, ‘No one can put a price on this nation. No one is born who can buy or sell India.’
Further allegations included Gandhi naming non-members and even Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri in the House, defying rules and the Chair’s interventions. Despite initial apologies, Gandhi repeated the names, prompting Rijiju to demand formal notice to the Speaker for expunging remarks and enforcing accountability.
As tensions simmer, Rijiju urged Gandhi to remain for the Finance Minister’s reply, underscoring that serious accusations demand hearing the response. This showdown underscores deepening divides in Parliament over economic achievements and political rhetoric.