New Delhi:
Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Monday began his speech in Parliament by holding up a magazine article based on an unpublished book by former Army chief General M.M. Naravane on the 2020 Ladakh stand-off between India and China, triggering sharp objections from BJP leaders.
As Rahul Gandhi started quoting from the article, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh immediately intervened, stating that citing an unpublished book was against the rules of the House.
The eastern Ladakh standoff began on May 5, 2020, after a violent clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Pangong Lake area. In his unpublished memoir, Four Stars of Destiny, former Army chief General Naravane has written about the incident. An essay based on the book was later published by a leading magazine.
Carrying a printout of the magazine, Rahul Gandhi repeatedly attempted to raise the issue, but faced resistance not only from the Defence Minister but also from Home Minister Amit Shah and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.
“I want the LoP to present the book he is quoting from before the House, as the book he is referring to has not been published,” Rajnath Singh said.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav came out in support of the Opposition leader, saying, “The matter relating to China is very sensitive. The LoP should be allowed to speak.”
Rahul Gandhi’s repeated references to “Chinese tanks” drew strong objections from BJP members.
“When the book has not even been published, how can he quote from it?” Amit Shah asked.
Kiren Rijiju suggested that the House should also deliberate on action against a member who does not follow the Speaker’s ruling.
Amid repeated interruptions, Rahul Gandhi questioned, “What does it contain that is scaring them so much? If they are not scared, I should be allowed to read.”
The Congress leader maintained that both the article and the book were “100 per cent authentic.” He said he did not intend to raise the issue but was compelled to do so after BJP MP Tejasvi Surya questioned the patriotism of the Congress and its leadership.
Government sources accused Rahul Gandhi of setting a “dangerous precedent” by quoting from an unpublished book on the floor of Parliament.
“Tomorrow, anyone can invent facts and claim they are mentioned in an unpublished book. Rahul Gandhi has trivialised the proceedings of Parliament,” sources said, alleging he was spreading misinformation.
The disruption forced Speaker Om Birla to adjourn the Lok Sabha till 3 pm.
Defending her brother, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi said Rahul Gandhi was not trying to defame the Army.
“He was reading from an excerpt of the Army chief’s book. Whenever something uncomfortable comes out, the BJP reacts this way,” she said.
When the House reconvened at 3 pm, similar scenes played out as Rahul Gandhi again referred to General Naravane’s book, leading to another adjournment of proceedings. (Agencies)
