Tensions boiled over in India’s Parliament as BJP lawmakers demanded strict action against Rahul Gandhi for allegedly peddling false claims about General Manoj Mukund Naravane’s unpublished book. The episode unfolded amid a raucous Lok Sabha session, spotlighting accusations of misinformation from the Congress leader.
Kicking off the barrage, Sanjay Jaiswal of BJP slammed Gandhi’s tactics as mere showmanship. ‘He claims verification but refuses to stand by his words—no signature, no proof,’ Jaiswal retorted. With Naravane affirming the book’s non-publication and Penguin India debunking digital or physical releases via X, Jaiswal called for immediate repercussions.
Ajay Bhatt, another BJP voice, reminded all of parliamentary decorum. ‘Misinformation has no place here. Stay within rules; external issues don’t belong in the House,’ he asserted, painting the opposition’s strategy as deliberate disruption.
Nishikant Dubey went further, questioning the book’s very existence. ‘Penguin says no publication. Naravane agrees. Rahul, prove it with the full manuscript or beg forgiveness from the country,’ he provocatively stated, fueling the fire.
Shashank Mani Tripathi dissected the timeline of deceit: initial boasts of a book in speech, quick backtrack under challenge, and a suspicious copy the following day. ‘It’s a printed fake. Apologize for the lies and the stalled sessions,’ Tripathi insisted.
This clash reveals stark partisan divides, with BJP portraying Gandhi as untrustworthy on defense matters. As calls for apology echo, the incident risks overshadowing key legislative agendas, prompting questions on opposition accountability in a polarized political landscape.