Lok Sabha Adjourned Twice Amidst Uproar Over Nishikant Dubey’s Remarks on Rahul Gandhi
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BJP Member’s Allegations of US-based Billionaire Links Spark Protests by Opposition
NEW DELHI, Dec 5, 2024 – Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned twice on Thursday after BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s controversial remarks targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and linking him to a US-based multi-billionaire investor. The allegations, which Dubey raised during Zero Hour, triggered a strong reaction from the opposition, leading to an uproar in the House and forcing the Speaker to suspend proceedings.
Dubey’s Allegations and Opposition’s Response
Dubey’s remarks came after reports by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), a US-based investigative media platform, which allegedly connected Gandhi and the Congress-led opposition to the billionaire investor. Dubey accused the opposition of attempting to derail the proceedings of Parliament by focusing on these allegations.
The BJP MP claimed that the Congress had a history of using reports from OCCRP to disrupt parliamentary business, citing past instances like the Pegasus spying scandal, doubts about the efficacy of India’s COVID-19 vaccines, and the Hindenburg report on the Adani Group. His remarks, however, led to a chaotic scene in the House, with Congress members raising strong objections, protesting loudly against the BJP’s attempts to link their leader to controversial figures.
In the face of the commotion, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla adjourned the House till 2 pm.
Minister Kiren Rijiju Condemns Opposition Protests
When the House reconvened after the lunch break, the protests continued. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju criticized the opposition’s behavior, calling it unacceptable. Rijiju said, “They (opposition) came into Parliament wearing colourful clothes, and outside Parliament, they’ve turned it into a fashion show. This lowers the dignity of Parliament, and I condemn it. Such disruptions will achieve nothing; it won’t fetch votes.”
Rijiju was referring to opposition leaders from the INDIA bloc who had earlier participated in a protest against the Adani Group, wearing black jackets with stickers reading “Modi Adani Ek Hai” and “Adani Safe Hai.” The opposition had been demanding a joint parliamentary probe into the Adani issue following recent allegations in a US court.
Protests Escalate and Proceedings Adjourned Again
As Dubey continued his remarks, attempting to question Rahul Gandhi and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s role in the allegations, opposition members became increasingly vocal, leading to further disruptions. The House was adjourned again at 3 pm, this time under the chairmanship of BJP MP Jagdambika Pal.
During the uproar, the Speaker called on Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi to raise an issue concerning violence in Sambhal. Gogoi, however, used the opportunity to counter Dubey’s allegations. He strongly defended Rahul Gandhi, stating that the Congress leader had always advocated for peace and harmony, and accused the BJP of spreading falsehoods to malign their leadership.
An Escalating War of Words
The clash between the BJP and the opposition parties intensified as the session progressed. Dubey’s attempt to link the opposition with the OCCRP findings and other controversies was met with staunch resistance from the Congress, which accused the ruling party of engaging in a smear campaign.
The Speaker repeatedly called for order, but the House was in no position to function smoothly due to the continued protests and verbal exchanges.
What’s Next?
The ongoing stalemate in Parliament reflects the deepening divide between the ruling BJP and the opposition, particularly the Congress. With both sides refusing to back down, the situation in Parliament remains tense, and it remains to be seen how the issues raised by Dubey and the protests against his remarks will unfold in the coming days.
