New Delhi, February 2: A controversy erupted in the Lok Sabha after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi referenced an unpublished book by a former army chief. The government questioned the existence of the book, leading to a disruption in the proceedings. Following the session, various leaders expressed their views on the matter.
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari stated that Rahul Gandhi highlighted a crucial issue related to national security, raised by someone who held the highest military position. He emphasized that the nation deserves to know why the government is yielding to China. Tiwari noted that while similar points were made in the Rajya Sabha, they were not allowed in the Lok Sabha, where Gandhi was discussing national interests.
In response to Kiren Rijiju’s remarks, Tiwari recalled how, during the 1959-60 period, then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru informed Parliament about events at that time, allowing everyone to speak. He criticized the current government for halting discussions before even mentioning the book’s title. Tiwari insisted that the government should facilitate discussions, especially regarding the President’s address. He expressed pride in Gandhi for raising this issue, questioning why references to other books and newspapers are allowed without interruption.
MP Manish Tiwari pointed out that the rules of the house are not being followed properly. He cited historical instances, such as discussions during the 1947 conflict with Pakistan and the 1962 war with China, where Parliament engaged in lengthy debates on national security. He argued that such discussions are essential for the current context.
On Digvijaya Singh’s statement about democracy being in danger, BJP MP Madan Rathore criticized Singh for making such comments, given his extensive political experience. Rathore reminded that Singh’s party has a history of undermining democracy, referencing the Emergency period. He suggested that Singh’s recent statements are attempts to please his party leaders as his Rajya Sabha term comes to an end.
BJP MP Mayank Kumar Nayak stated that the Indian public has entrusted the responsibility of safeguarding democracy to the ruling party. He emphasized that the people’s verdict is the ultimate authority, which has brought the BJP and NDA to Parliament. Nayak dismissed Singh’s comments as lacking seriousness.
Regarding Rahul Gandhi’s reference to a book during discussions on the President’s address, Nayak noted that the Lok Sabha Speaker intervened, stating that the book could not be mentioned. He suggested that Gandhi’s intentions might have been to undermine the morale of the nation, leading to his interruption.
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