Rahul Gandhi Takes Aim at PM Modi Over 'Scared of Truth' Remark in Parliament
In a sharp retort following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's lengthy address in the Rajya Sabha, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi targeted the PM with a pointed reference, stating, "Jo uchit samjha woh kiya" (did what he deemed fit). This comment came after Modi's speech, which lasted 97 minutes, where he lashed out at the Congress, asserting, "try as hard as you can, you won't be able to dig Modi's grave." The exchange occurred on Thursday during the ongoing Budget session in New Delhi, highlighting escalating tensions between the ruling party and the opposition.
Gandhi's Social Media Critique and Allegations
Posting on X, Rahul Gandhi elaborated on his criticism, writing, "Bas, sawaalon se itni ghabrahat? Modi ji, sachai se aisa darey, jhooth ki sharan le li. Khair, jo uchit samjha woh kiya" (So nervous about facing questions? Modi ji, scared of truth, took refuge in falsehoods. Anyway, did what he deemed fit). He further alleged that he was not permitted to speak in the House as the Leader of Opposition, preventing him from raising critical issues concerning national security and India-China relations. This accusation underscores ongoing disputes over parliamentary decorum and opposition rights.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh's Scathing Assessment
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh joined the fray, describing the PM's address on X as "another election rally speech, overflowing with abuses and assaults, distortions and dramatics, innuendos and insults — and of course his usual quota of blatant and brazen lies." He added that Modi's "self-obsession and his fixation on dialogue-baazi and demagoguery was on full display," reflecting a broader opposition sentiment that the speech lacked substantive policy discussion and instead focused on political rhetoric.
Opposition Walkout and Sloganeering in Rajya Sabha
The session witnessed dramatic scenes as the opposition bench, led by Mallikarjun Kharge, attempted to intervene before the PM's speech. With microphones turned off, Kharge repeatedly sought the Chairman's attention but was disallowed, prompting a walkout by 14 Opposition MPs. They raised slogans such as 'tanashahi nahi chalegi' (dictatorship won't be tolerated), 'democracy pe hamla nahi chalega' (attack on democracy won't be accepted), and 'LoP ko bolne do' (let the Leader of Opposition speak). Treasury benches countered with 'Bharat Mata ki Jai,' creating a charged atmosphere.
During the commotion, PM Modi paused briefly, urging the Chairman to allow Kharge to "sloganeer while sitting" out of respect for his age. However, Kharge insisted on conveying a message, warning, "If you don't allow it, we will walk out." The opposition members then exited the chamber, with some like Priyanka Chaturvedi of Shiv Sena (UBT), Ramji Gautam of BSP, and Swati Maliwal of AAP remaining inside. Outside, MPs explained their protest, emphasizing a unified opposition voice being stifled in Parliament.
Kharge and Siva's Post-Walkout Comments
Speaking to reporters after the walkout, Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the PM's conduct, stating, "... one man speaks in the House. He is given a mic, he hurls abuses and the government stays silent. Has the BJP ever condemned this?" He justified the protest, saying, "That's why the leaders of the Opposition parties decided if they won't let us speak, then we should walk out, we should protest." DMK MP Tiruchi Siva echoed this, noting that both Gandhi and Kharge, as Leaders of Opposition, "are not being respected," leading to the collective action.
This incident follows a previous day where the PM had to skip his Lok Sabha address due to a Congress protest, further intensifying the political standoff. The ongoing Budget session continues to be marked by such confrontations, reflecting deep-seated divisions and the opposition's struggle for parliamentary space.
