NEW DELHI, Dec 5: Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned twice on Thursday following BJP member Nishikant Dubey’s remarks targeting Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi. Dubey sought to link Gandhi to a US-based multi-billionaire investor, sparking intense protests from Congress members.
The controversy began during Zero Hour when Dubey raised the issue based on a report from the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), which alleged connections between the Congress-led opposition and the billionaire investor. The report claimed that the opposition was attempting to derail Parliament’s functioning. Congress strongly objected to the allegations, leading to uproar in the House.
As protests escalated, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla adjourned the proceedings until 2 pm. However, similar scenes were witnessed when the House reconvened at 3 pm. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju criticized the opposition’s conduct, stating that their behavior was unacceptable. He commented on opposition members wearing colorful clothing in Parliament, calling it a “fashion show” that lowered the dignity of the institution. Rijiju condemned the disruptions, stating that such actions would not help them win votes.
The protests were sparked by Dubey’s accusations, which included references to the opposition’s criticism of various reports published by OCCRP. He highlighted the Pegasus spying controversy, questions raised over the efficacy of Indian COVID-19 vaccines, and the Hindenburg reports, suggesting that these were all part of efforts to undermine India’s success under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Dubey claimed that the Congress, along with OCCRP, was attempting to derail the government’s progress.
As the protests continued, Congress members stood up to oppose Dubey’s allegations, and the Speaker called Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi to address the issue of violence in Sambhal. Gogoi used the opportunity to counter Dubey’s claims, asserting that Gandhi was committed to peace and accusing the BJP of spreading falsehoods.
