Heated exchange during debate on motion against Speaker
A heated political exchange unfolded in the Lok Sabha during the debate on a resolution seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla. The discussion turned contentious when Union minister Kiren Rijiju criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, recalling a controversial moment from the 2018 Parliament session.
The Opposition had moved the motion against the Speaker alleging partisan conduct and claiming that the Leader of the Opposition was not allowed to speak properly in the House. The debate was allocated around ten hours for discussion before voting.
Rijiju recalls Rahul Gandhi’s 2018 ‘hug and wink’ moment
While addressing the House, Rijiju mocked Rahul Gandhi’s behaviour in Parliament and referred to the well-known 2018 incident when Gandhi walked across the floor to hug Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a speech.
Rijiju said he had never seen such conduct from a Leader of the Opposition, pointing out that Gandhi hugged the prime minister and then returned to his seat and winked at fellow party MPs. His remark triggered reactions from the Opposition benches and intensified the debate inside the House.
Interestingly, both Rahul Gandhi and Narendra Modi were not present in the House when Rijiju made the remarks.
Priyanka Gandhi counters Rijiju’s criticism
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra quickly responded to Rijiju’s remarks and defended her brother. She argued that Rahul Gandhi had consistently stood up against the government despite political pressure and criticism from the ruling party.
Priyanka Gandhi said that Rahul Gandhi remained one of the few leaders who did not bow before the government and continued to raise issues in Parliament, countering the BJP’s criticism during the debate.
Background of the no-confidence motion
The resolution against Speaker Om Birla was moved by Opposition MPs who alleged that the Speaker’s conduct in the House was biased. According to the Opposition, the motion was necessary to protect the dignity and neutrality of parliamentary proceedings.
Congress MP Mohammed Jawed formally moved the resolution, and more than 50 MPs supported it, allowing the discussion to proceed in the Lok Sabha.
Political sparring dominates Parliament proceedings
The debate highlighted the ongoing political confrontation between the ruling BJP and the Opposition alliance. While BJP leaders defended the Speaker and criticised the Opposition’s tactics, Congress MPs accused the government of suppressing dissent in Parliament.
The verbal clash between Rijiju and Priyanka Gandhi added another dramatic moment to the session, reflecting the intense political atmosphere surrounding the motion against the Speaker.