Rijiju claimed Gandhi interacts with “Naxals, extremists and people like George Soros” both domestically and abroad. He did not present documentary evidence for the allegation but said such associations raise serious concerns about national interests. Congress had not issued an official response to the statement at the time of publication.
The minister also criticised Gandhi’s conduct inside Parliament, calling it “childish and irresponsible” and arguing that a Leader of the Opposition should represent institutional dignity. He alleged that disruptions, slogan-shouting and protests begin whenever Gandhi enters the House, and accused the Indian National Congress of deliberately creating disorder while simultaneously claiming it is denied speaking time.
Referring to comments by senior Congress figure Mani Shankar Aiyar, who recently distanced himself from Gandhi’s leadership style, Rijiju said the party once had leaders known for maturity and restraint but has “gradually changed in character.” He further accused Gandhi of invoking the Prime Minister’s name in speeches without substantiating claims, questioning whether opposition leaders consider themselves exempt from parliamentary rules.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions over a no-confidence notice filed by opposition MPs against Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Rijiju alleged opposition members behaved improperly in the Speaker’s chamber, while praising Birla for showing restraint. He added that former Speaker Somnath Chatterjee might have taken stricter disciplinary action in a similar situation. Opposition leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi, have denied wrongdoing and insist their protest was procedural.
According to parliamentary sources, 118 MPs signed the notice seeking discussion on the motion, which could be taken up when the Budget Session resumes in March. The development signals a likely continuation of confrontations inside the House, where legislative business has frequently been disrupted by political clashes.
Analysts say the latest exchange reflects a broader escalation in rhetoric ahead of upcoming electoral contests, with both sides sharpening attacks to mobilize their bases. Whether the allegations trigger formal complaints or parliamentary privilege proceedings remains unclear, but the episode underscores the deepening polarization shaping national politics.
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