Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Media for 'Keyword' Coverage Amid Disqualification Motion
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp critique against the media on Thursday, accusing it of taking "keywords" from the government and running shows based on them, which he termed a "disservice to the country." This outburst came after BJP MP Nishikant Dubey submitted a notice to move a substantive motion against Gandhi in the Lok Sabha, seeking the cancellation of his parliamentary membership and a ban on his contesting elections.
Media Questioning Sparks Gandhi's Ire
When questioned by reporters about the substantive motion in Parliament, Gandhi retorted by asking if that was the "keyword" provided to the media for the day. He urged journalists to do their own work, stating, "Kuch toh apna kaam kara karo bhai. You are not totally employed by the BJP. Try to do a little objective work. It gets really shameful." He emphasized the media's responsibility to be objective and not merely follow government directives, warning that such practices harm the nation.
Dubey's Allegations and Motion Details
In his notice, Nishikant Dubey alleged that Rahul Gandhi had "misled" the House and demanded strict action. Dubey cited Gandhi's engagements with organizations like the Soros Foundation, Ford Foundation, and USAID, as well as his travels to countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the US, claiming these were for anti-India activities. This motion follows Gandhi's recent criticism of the government, particularly targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the India-US trade deal, which he argued would compromise energy security and farm interests.
Congress Response and Parliamentary Context
Congress MP Imran Masood responded to the motion, asserting that if the government brings such a motion, it should also be prepared to hear the Opposition's reply. He questioned the removal of content from Gandhi's speech and defended the relevance of issues like the Epstein files, stating, "What is unparliamentary in the Epstein files? It is an important issue." During a House discussion on the Union Budget, Gandhi used martial arts analogies, such as "grip" and "chokehold," to criticize the government's policies on energy, finance, and data security.
Broader Implications and Political Tensions
The incident highlights escalating tensions between the ruling BJP and the Opposition, with Gandhi's media critique reflecting broader concerns about press freedom and objectivity. As political debates intensify, this development underscores the ongoing clashes in Parliament over governance and accountability issues.
