New Delhi: The Lok Sabha saw tense scenes on Monday soon after Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi began his speech during the ongoing Parliament Budget Session. The situation escalated when Defence Minister Rajnath Singh raised objections to Gandhi citing an unpublished book by former Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane, arguing that material not officially released cannot be referenced in parliamentary proceedings.
As Rahul Gandhi addressed the House on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address, he began quoting from the book. Singh questioned whether it had been officially published. Gandhi responded that the document was authenticated and insisted he was quoting to counter remarks by BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, who had questioned Congress’s patriotism. Singh maintained that the book was not yet published.
Lok Sabha Speaker Intervenes Amid Rising Tensions
Speaker Om Birla intervened, citing parliamentary rules that prohibit quoting books or newspapers on matters unrelated to House proceedings. Gandhi clarified that he was quoting a magazine article to express his views. Singh accused Gandhi of “misleading the House.” Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav supported Gandhi, urging the Speaker to allow him to continue.
Amit Shah Supports Procedural Norms
Union Home Minister Amit Shah backed Singh’s objection, emphasizing that Gandhi should confine his remarks to officially published sources. He stressed the importance of credibility, warning that “magazines can publish anything,” and urged the House to maintain established parliamentary standards.
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House Descends into Disorder
The Lok Sabha briefly descended into disorder following the objections. Opposition members protested the interruptions, while MPs from the Treasury benches called for strict adherence to procedural rules. Speaker Om Birla then adjourned the House until 3 pm to restore order.
The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha had convened at 11 am on Monday to discuss the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to respond on February 11. The Budget session will run for 30 sittings over 65 days, concluding on April 2, with a recess from February 13 to March 9 to allow Standing Committees to examine the Demands for Grants of ministries and departments. Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27 in the Lok Sabha on Sunday, marking her ninth consecutive budget presentation.