Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Congress and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha, questioning his seriousness towards parliamentary responsibilities.
He challenged, “The LoP claims that he is not allowed to speak in the House, but I want to say that he doesn’t want to speak.”
HM Shah referred to several occasions when Rahul Gandhi was reportedly absent during important discussions in Parliament. He mentioned debates on issues such as Vande Mataram, the land acquisition legislation and other key policy matters.
According to the Home Minister, the Congress leader rarely takes part in such debates but later alleges that he is prevented from speaking.
Replying to Congress leader KC Venugopal’s claim that the Speaker interrupted Rahul Gandhi several times during his speech, HM Shah defended the conduct of the presiding officer.
He asked what action the Speaker should take when a member refuses to follow the rules of the House.
Attendance Figures Highlighted
HM Amit Shah also cited Rahul Gandhi’s attendance record in Parliament to support his argument. He stated that Rahul Gandhi’s attendance in the 17th Lok Sabha was about 51 per cent, while the national average stood at 67 per cent.
He further noted that the Congress leader attended around 52 per cent of sittings during the 16th Lok Sabha, compared with a national average of 80 per cent.
HM Shah added, “In the 15th Lok Sabha, his attendance was 43 per cent while the national average was 76 per cent.”
The Home Minister also alleged that Rahul Gandhi did not participate in several important parliamentary debates. These included the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address, discussions on the Union Budget and deliberations on major bills.
According to HM Shah, skipping such debates raises questions about his commitment as the Leader of the Opposition.
HM Shah also criticised Rahul Gandhi for travelling abroad during parliamentary sessions. He said the Congress leader frequently plans foreign visits when the House is in session.
He pointed out, “When Parliament sessions are underway, he plans foreign trips. How can he speak here from abroad? There is no provision for video conference.”
During his remarks, HM Shah also referred to Rahul Gandhi’s past ‘hug and wink’ moment in Parliament while criticising his conduct.
Opposition members strongly objected to these references and argued that the discussion should focus on allegations regarding the Speaker’s conduct rather than Rahul Gandhi’s behaviour.
The exchange led to loud protests and sloganeering by Opposition MPs, creating a chaotic atmosphere in the Lok Sabha.
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