A major showdown is brewing in the Lok Sabha after BJP parliamentarian Sanjay Jaiswal lodged a formal complaint with the Speaker over Rahul Gandhi’s budget session remarks. Delivered on February 11 during the central budget discourse, Gandhi’s address allegedly crossed the line with inflammatory accusations and derogatory terms targeting the PM and NDA government.
Invoking Rule 380, Jaiswal’s letter meticulously lists problematic statements, including claims that the government ‘sold India’ and ‘sold Mother India.’ He also flags Gandhi’s characterization of the US trade agreement as a ‘shameful act’ and an attempt to ‘fool the Indian people.’ These, Jaiswal contends, flagrantly breach parliamentary norms as per the 2021 unparliamentary expressions directory.
The MP emphasizes that unverified allegations were hurled without evidence, risking the sanctity of House records if not addressed promptly. He presses for their excision from official transcripts to safeguard the institution’s prestige. This isn’t the first time Gandhi’s rhetoric has sparked backlash; his style often blends sharp populism with policy critiques, polarizing opinions.
As opposition benches rally behind their leader, BJP members decry it as a deliberate attempt to malign national achievements. The Speaker’s office now holds the key—will expunction be ordered, or will this escalate into a larger privilege issue? In the high-stakes arena of Indian politics, language wields power, and this battle over words could reverberate through upcoming sessions.
Observers note that such notices are rare but effective tools to enforce discipline. With the budget session ongoing, this could set the tone for future debates, reminding lawmakers that even leaders of opposition must adhere to decorum.