New Delhi witnessed a fresh parliamentary controversy on Thursday as Congress MP Shashi Tharoor passionately advocated for Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s right to speak freely in the Lok Sabha. The uproar over Gandhi’s remarks during the President’s address has escalated into a major procedural standoff, drawing sharp criticism from the opposition benches.
Responding to the disruptions that halted proceedings, Tharoor emphasized that Gandhi was merely referencing publicly available information. ‘The Leader of Opposition should be allowed to speak,’ Tharoor asserted. ‘He was discussing an issue already published in a magazine. It wasn’t unpublished material. He wanted to make his point and then move on to other aspects of the President’s address. Raising such massive objections and silencing him has created a serious problem.’
The incident underscores ongoing tensions in Parliament, where the opposition accuses the ruling party of curbing dissent. Tharoor’s intervention highlights the fragility of democratic discourse amid heated debates.
Adding a personal note amid the political storm, Tharoor revealed he suffered a hairline fracture after slipping outside Parliament premises on Wednesday. Despite the injury, the seasoned MP vowed to continue his duties undeterred. ‘I fell yesterday while leaving Parliament. Unfortunately, I have a hairline fracture,’ he shared candidly.
Undaunted, Tharoor plans to attend sessions daily and participate in committee meetings next week, even if it means using a wheelchair. This resilience comes days after he apologized for missing a party meeting due to medical tests, including an X-ray and hospital visit.
As Parliament grapples with these disruptions, Tharoor’s comments signal deepening rifts over free speech and procedural fairness. The opposition’s pushback against perceived restrictions on their voices could prolong the current session’s chaos, testing the government’s ability to maintain order while upholding democratic norms.