Lok Sabha Proceedings Disrupted by Rahul Gandhi's China Remarks and 'Yaar' Controversy
The Lok Sabha witnessed significant disruptions on Tuesday as the Budget Session of Parliament was marred by ongoing protests over Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi's speech referencing India-China border clashes. The house reconvened at 2 PM after two earlier adjournments, only to face further chaos as Gandhi authenticated a document citing former army chief M M Naravane's unpublished memoir.
Rahul Gandhi Authenticates Document on India-China Issue
When Rahul Gandhi was called to speak on the Motion of Thanks, he immediately invoked the Speaker's ruling from Monday and presented a signed copy of an article based on Naravane's memoir. "I have authenticated it," Gandhi stated, following parliamentary protocol that requires members to submit such documents affirming their accuracy. Krishna Prasad Tenneti, who was chairing the session, responded by asking Gandhi to table the document, promising, "we will examine it and get back."
Protests Escalate as Gandhi Continues China Discussion
Despite the chair's directive, Rahul Gandhi persisted in raising the India-China issue, which was met with strong opposition from members including Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. Rijiju referenced a prior meeting with Congress leader KC Venugopal, who is considered close to Gandhi. As tensions mounted, the chair urged Venugopal to allow Gandhi to speak, during which Venugopal allegedly addressed Tenneti as 'abbe yaar' – a casual term meaning friend.
Chairman Tenneti Takes Offence at 'Yaar' Remark
Krishna Prasad Tenneti immediately took offence to the informal address, emphasizing parliamentary decorum. "What did you just say? What is this yaar? This is Parliament. This is Lok Sabha. You can't address the chair by saying yaar. Please take back your words. You can't," Tenneti asserted. While LiveMint noted it had not verified the video, the conversation streamed on Sansad TV's YouTube channel suggested it was KC Venugopal who used the term. Tenneti further criticized the opposition, stating, "You’re not allowing LoP to speak."
House Adjourned Again Amid Ongoing Impasse
As the deadlock continued over Gandhi's attempt to quote the article, Tenneti adjourned the proceedings until 3 PM. This followed similar disruptions on Monday, when Gandhi's speech attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and his references to the India-China clashes from Naravane's memoir, sparked a major political row. BJP leaders accused Gandhi of misleading the house and belittling the armed forces, leading to adjournments amid repeated protests.
The excerpts published in a magazine have fueled backlash, with the house ultimately adjourned for the day as protests persisted. This incident highlights the intense debates and procedural challenges in the Lok Sabha during the Budget Session, reflecting broader political tensions over national security and parliamentary conduct.
