India, Feb 12 : A fresh political flashpoint erupted in Parliament on Thursday when Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju released a video claiming that 20-25 Congress MPs forcibly entered Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s chamber, used abusive language, and threatened Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra strongly rejected the allegations, asserting she spoke “peacefully” and did not witness any abuse.
Rijiju Alleges Misconduct Inside Speaker’s Chamber
Sharing the video on X, Rijiju said the situation could have escalated if BJP and NDA MPs had not exercised restraint. He claimed Congress MPs abused the Speaker and the Prime Minister in the chamber, although he added that Priyanka Gandhi and KC Venugopal did not personally use abusive language. “Under their presence, the Congress MPs abused a lot,” Rijiju stated, emphasizing that everything was recorded.
The minister added that the government initially refrained from speaking publicly but decided to respond due to repeated claims by Congress.
Priyanka Gandhi Dismisses Allegations, Criticizes Trade Deal
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra countered Rijiju’s claims, stating she neither encouraged nor witnessed abuse. “We did not abuse anyone. 1-2 MPs were agitated, and they expressed it. I was sitting quietly and spoke peacefully at the end,” she said.
She also criticized the government over the India–US trade agreement, claiming it would harm farmers, and highlighted her support for ongoing labor strikes. Regarding potential action against Rahul Gandhi, she remarked that FIRs and cases would not affect him.
Privilege Notice Against Rahul Gandhi
Earlier, Rijiju announced that BJP MPs would move a privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi for allegedly misleading the House and making baseless statements. He accused the Opposition leader of making serious allegations without proper notice or substantiation and said Gandhi would be asked to authenticate his claims on the floor of the House.