Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju turned up the volume on Wednesday, declaring a privilege motion against Rahul Gandhi for his Lok Sabha budget outbursts. At a packed press conference in New Delhi, Rijiju accused the Opposition Leader of peddling misinformation and rule-breaking charges.
‘Clear-cut rules exist for Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha,’ Rijiju asserted. Serious accusations demand advance notice and solid proof—neither of which Gandhi provided, he alleged.
Gandhi’s speech, per Rijiju, lacked policy substance, overflowing with ‘baseless, feral claims.’ The minister had implored him to linger until Finance Minister’s 5 PM address to validate assertions in real-time.
Rijiju pivoted to economic facts, quoting Manmohan Singh’s 2014 farewell speech and PIB note forecasting India’s third-place economy by 2030. ‘PM Modi hit fast-forward,’ he said proudly. Bypassing ‘fragile five’ stigma from rank 11, India now holds fourth, racing toward podium in years.
Replying to ‘India sold out’ rhetoric, Rijiju thundered, ‘Nobody prices this nation. None can trade it.’ He spotlighted Gandhi’s indiscretions: naming absentees and Hardeep Singh Puri, reneging on no-name pledges post-Chair warnings.
Formal notice to Speaker is imminent, with demands for proof, expunging offensive remarks, and accountability. Leaving after accusations without hearing replies? Unacceptable, Rijiju hammered, eyeing Gandhi’s presence for Sitharaman’s retort.
This privilege push amplifies BJP’s narrative of opposition disruption versus governance triumphs, setting stage for high-stakes parliamentary theater.