Rahul Gandhi Loses Chance To Speak As LS Adjourned After Chaos Over ‘Unauthentic Source’ Claim

The Lok Sabha was adjourned for an hour on Monday after an uproar erupted over a speech by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who cited excerpts from what the ruling BJP described as an “unauthentic” source. The disruption prevented Gandhi from completing his address, with the House adjourned until 3 pm.

The Lower House had convened for the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address. The discussion was initiated by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and followed by BJP MP Tejasvi Surya before the floor was opened to the Opposition.

Dispute Over Source Sparks Chaos

Rahul Gandhi began the Opposition’s response by referring to excerpts from an unpublished memoir of former Army chief General M M Naravane, linking it to the India-China border dispute. Almost immediately, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh objected, arguing that Gandhi was quoting from an unpublished and “unauthentic” source.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla intervened, citing parliamentary rules and stating that members are not permitted to quote from newspapers or magazines during proceedings. His remarks failed to calm the House, as the disagreement quickly escalated into noisy protests.

Ministers, Opposition Trade Barbs

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju supported Rajnath Singh’s objection, reiterating that such references were not allowed. On the Opposition benches, Congress MP K C Venugopal defended Gandhi, while Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav argued that the reference was important given the sensitivity of the China issue.

Amid the din, Gandhi attempted to clarify that he was not quoting from a newspaper or magazine, but the Speaker objected again as ruling party MPs continued their protests. With order breaking down and no resolution in sight, the Speaker adjourned the House for one hour.

The disruption underscored yet another flashpoint in Parliament, with the India-China border issue once again triggering sharp exchanges between the government and the Opposition.