Opposition's Concerns Over Rahul Gandhi's Speech in Parliament

Congress Raises Alarm Over Parliamentary Proceedings

On Thursday, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh issued a warning that the likelihood of the Lok Sabha functioning effectively would diminish significantly if opposition leader Rahul Gandhi is not allowed to address the House regarding the 2020 standoff with China. Ramesh emphasized that the primary issue troubling the opposition is the obstruction faced by Gandhi in speaking during parliamentary sessions. This sentiment was echoed by the opposition leader in the Rajya Sabha, where members also walked out in protest over the same matter.

Ramesh further stated that all opposition parties are united in their stance that if the Lok Sabha member is denied the opportunity to speak, the chances of the House proceeding with its business are very slim. The Congress has raised several issues in Parliament, notably the unpublished memoirs of former Army Chief MM Naravane related to the 2020 China standoff in Eastern Ladakh. The party claims that Rahul Gandhi has been repeatedly "prevented" from quoting General Naravane (retired) during discussions. In defense, BJP leaders argued that this constitutes a breach of parliamentary rules and poses a risk to the morale of the armed forces.

Amid ongoing disruptions in Parliament, Prime Minister Modi opted not to participate in the thank-you motion for the President's address. Ramesh recalled that former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had similarly refrained from responding to a thank-you motion in June 2004 due to being obstructed from doing so. He noted that Singh had expressed gratitude to the President twice in 2005 for not being able to do so in 2004.

Ramesh reminded the Prime Minister and the BJP of this historical context, emphasizing that Singh's absence from the thank-you motion in 2004 was due to being prevented from responding. The expectation was for Prime Minister Modi to address the thank-you motion for the President's speech on Wednesday at 5 PM. However, following repeated disruptions and shouting from opposition members, the Speaker adjourned the Lok Sabha.