BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has intensified his campaign against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi by urging the Lok Sabha’s Privilege Committee to terminate Gandhi’s membership. Dubey’s appeal follows his earlier privilege notice, submitted on 7 February 2023, which accused Gandhi of breaching parliamentary rules during a speech addressing the Hindenburg-Adani issue.
Dubey contends that Gandhi violated parliamentary protocol by making allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi without prior notice, a requirement when referencing fellow Lok Sabha members, especially the Leader of the House. He also points out that Gandhi named foreign leaders during his address, contravening established parliamentary norms.
A significant aspect of Dubey’s complaint is the dissemination of Gandhi’s expunged remarks. Despite the Lok Sabha Speaker ordering the removal of certain statements from the official records, these comments remain accessible on Gandhi’s and the Congress party’s YouTube channels. Dubey argues that this act challenges the Speaker’s authority and undermines parliamentary decorum.
To bolster his case, Dubey presented documents indicating that several business deals involving industrialist Gautam Adani, which Gandhi criticised, were initiated during the tenure of the Congress-led UPA government. He asserts that Gandhi’s allegations are unfounded and serve to mislead both Parliament and the public.
Drawing a parallel to a historical precedent, Dubey referenced the 1976 expulsion of Subramanian Swamy from the Rajya Sabha, suggesting that Gandhi’s actions warrant a similar response. He emphasised that Gandhi is a “habitual offender” concerning breaches of parliamentary privilege and, therefore, should face stringent consequences.
This development marks the latest in a series of confrontations between Dubey and Gandhi. In February 2022, Dubey submitted a privilege notice against Gandhi, accusing him of attempting to “incite” MPs and the nation through his remarks during a debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address. Dubey alleged that Gandhi’s comments about India’s federal structure were designed to create unrest and challenge the nation’s unity.
The Privilege Committee, chaired by BJP MP Sunil Singh, is responsible for examining such complaints and recommending appropriate actions. The committee’s decision on this matter could set a significant precedent for parliamentary conduct and the enforcement of privilege rules.
As the situation unfolds, it underscores the escalating tensions between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress party. The outcome of this case may have far-reaching implications for parliamentary proceedings and the broader political landscape in India.
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