BJP Moves Notice Seeking Rahul Gandhi’s Disqualification as Lok Sabha Faces Repeated Disruptions

The notice was submitted amid uproar in the House following Question Hour, forcing adjournments and stalling scheduled business. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey is understood to have filed a substantive motion demanding Gandhi’s disqualification. Government sources, however, indicated that no privilege motion has been formally initiated at this stage, though portions of Gandhi’s recent speech may be expunged from the record.

The development follows Gandhi’s remarks during the Budget debate, where he criticised the India–US trade deal and raised questions about the government’s handling of economic issues. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju earlier shared a video on social media alleging that opposition MPs misbehaved in Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s chamber on February 4. He claimed the Speaker was abused in the presence of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

Priyanka Gandhi denied the allegation, stating that no abusive language was used and that she remained quiet during the exchange. “We did not abuse anyone,” she said, rejecting claims that she instigated members.

Outside Parliament, Rahul Gandhi accused sections of the media of bias. “You are doing injustice to the country,” he told reporters, alleging that narratives were being shaped by government “keywords.”

The confrontation in Parliament unfolded even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s reply to the Budget debate. Modi said her speech presented a comprehensive roadmap for economic transformation.

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal also criticised Gandhi for what he termed “false claims” about the India–US trade agreement. Goyal asserted that 90–95% of Indian agricultural produce remains outside the scope of the deal and that farmers’ interests are protected. Several BJP leaders, including Pralhad Joshi and Giriraj Singh, echoed similar criticism, accusing Gandhi of making unverified statements.

The controversy recalls Gandhi’s 2023 disqualification following a defamation conviction, which was later stayed by the Supreme Court, leading to his reinstatement.

With the Budget Session continuing amid heightened political friction, the Speaker’s office is expected to examine the notice and determine the admissibility of the motion. The episode underscores the deepening divide between the treasury benches and the opposition at a crucial stage of legislative business.