Lok Sabha disrupted again as Rahul Gandhi cites China article; Centre accuses him of misleading House

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi

The stand-off between the treasury bench and the Opposition continued in the Lok Sabha for a second day on Tuesday after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi cited a Caravan magazine article on the 2020 India-China clashes in Galwan Valley.

As soon as Gandhi was asked to speak on the Motion of Thanks on Tuesday, he began his speech after “authenticating” a copy of the article in the Lok Sabha, which cited former Army chief MM Naravane's unpublished 'memoir' on the 2020 clashes.

"I have authenticated it," he said.

“A very important matter in the President’s speech is the matter of national security. The relationship between us and Chinese and Pakistani. There is an important article which I have authenticated, which speaks about the reaction of the Prime Minister,” he said, before being interrupted by the MPs of ruling party.

However, Krishna Prasad Tenneti, who was chairing the House, requested the opposition leader to speak on the President’s address.

Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju, meanwhile, asked Gandhi not to mislead the House.

“Let us not mislead the House. Let us clear the confusion. Today, I also requested Venugopal ji and Gogoi ji. We are patiently waiting to hear from the Leader of the Opposition. The matter he has just referred to was already addressed yesterday, and the Chair has given its ruling. The paper on which he has authenticated his remarks has been tabled in the House. However, since a ruling has already been given on the matter he referred to yesterday, he cannot quote the same issue again. Under the pretext of making an indirect reference, he cannot raise the same matter once more. Please avoid referring to an issue that has already been settled," Rijiju said.

As Rahul Gandhi continued his speech despite the Chair naming Samajwadi Party MP Naresh Uttam Patel as the next speaker, MPs from the Trinamool Congress, the SP and the DMK chose not to intervene in his support.

The Chair’s decision sparked protests, with opposition members shouting slogans, attempting to climb the table near the Speaker and flinging papers at the Chair, prompting an adjournment of the Lok Sabha till 3 pm.