What is 'privilege motion' moved against PM Modi by Congress for sharing Anurag Thakur's remarks

Anurag Thakur's apparent reference to Rahul Gandhi's caste during a discussion on the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday triggered an ugly spat between the opposition and treasury benches

The Congress party on Wednesday moved a privilege motion against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sharing on social media a video that allegedly contained portions of remarks made by BJP MP from Hamirpur Anurag Thakur that were expunged from the proceedings of the House by the Chair.

Congress MP and former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi submitted the privilege motion against PM Modi to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

On July 30, while participating in a discussion on Union Budget, Anurag Thakur made certain remarks that were expunged from proceedings. His apparent reference about Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's caste during the discussion had also caused a huge uproar in the House.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X and shared the entire speech of Thakur saying it was a "must hear" for everyone. "This speech by my young and energetic colleague, Anurag Thakur is a must hear. A perfect mix of facts and humour, exposing the dirty politics of the INDI Alliance," he said.

कल BJP सांसद अनुराग ठाकुर ने अपने भाषण में बहुत सारे आपत्तिजनक शब्द बोले।

उनके आपत्तिजनक भाषण को लोक सभा स्पीकर ने Expunge कर दिया, हटा दिया। स्पीकर द्वारा Expunge किए गए भाषण का प्रसार-प्रचार नहीं किया जा सकता।

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लेकिन, मैं हैरान हूं कि देश के प्रधानमंत्री ने भाषण के उसी हिस्से… pic.twitter.com/2upqZW48tr

— Congress (@INCIndia) July 31, 2024

What is a privilege motion?

All the members of Parliament are granted certain privileges so as to effectively discharge their duties including freedom of speech and freedom from arrest in civil cases. If a member feels that a minister or any member of the House has breached or misused any of these privileges, a motion or complaint can be raised to the house chairperson or Speaker.

After initial examination, the Speaker or chaiperson can either admit or reject the motion.

Anurag Thakur vs Rahul Gandhi: What happened in the Parliament?

Anurag Thakur's apparent reference to Rahul Gandhi's caste during a discussion on the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday triggered an ugly spat between the opposition and treasury benches.

The Congress leader described it as an insult, while insisting that it will not deter him from sticking to his demand for caste census.

Thakur's remarks came a day after Gandhi's comments in the Lok Sabha where he said that the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) will ensure that a legal guarantee for MSP as well as a caste census is passed by the House.