Budget session: Parl erupts as Rahul claims Modi sought invite for Trump inaugural
A heated political debate unfolded in the Lok Sabha on Monday after Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp critique on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning the government’s handling of foreign relations and domestic policies.
During a discussion on the President’s Address, Rahul claimed that China was “sitting inside” Indian territory and criticised the government’s response to the situation. He alleged that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was sent to the US in December 2024 to secure an invitation for PM Modi to attend US President Donald Trump’s swearing-in ceremony.
Sonia faces Breach of privilege notice
BJP members in the Rajya Sabha have moved a notice for breach of privilege against senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi for her "poor thing" remark against President Droupadi Murmu, demanding exemplary action. The notice was addressed to Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar.
The remarks sparked a fierce exchange between the Congress leader and BJP MPs. Rahul argued that India’s lack of a robust production system was to blame. “If we had a strong production system and were working on these technologies, the US President would have come here and invited the PM,” he said.
Responding to Rahul’s charge, Jaishankar, in a post on X, said, “Rahul deliberately spoke a falsehood about my visit to the US in December 2024. I went to meet the Secretary of State and NSA of the Biden administration.” He emphasised that no discussions regarding an invitation for PM Modi took place during his visit. “Rahul Gandhi’s lies may be intended politically, but these damage the nation abroad,” he added. PM Modi was present in the House during Rahul’s speech. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju objected to the remarks and said, “The Leader of the Opposition cannot make such serious, unsubstantiated statements. This is related to the relations between two countries, and he is making an unverified claim.” In response, Rahul said, “I apologise for disturbing your peace of mind,” before continuing his critique.
He further alleged that Chinese forces were inside Indian territory, contradicting PM Modi’s earlier denials. “Even our Army chief said the Chinese are inside our territory,” he claimed, prompting Speaker Om Birla to intervene, who said, “You will have to present proof of what you are speaking about in the House.”
The LoP attributed the alleged Chinese incursion to the “failure of the Make in India” initiative. “The PM proposed the ‘Make in India’ initiative. I think it was a good idea... The result is in front of you. Manufacturing fell from 15.3 per cent of the GDP in 2014 to 12.6 per cent today, the lowest in 60 years,” he claimed.
“I am not blaming the Prime Minister. It would not be fair to say he did not try. I could say that the Prime Minister tried but he failed,” he said.
The Congress leader also expressed concerns about India missing out on the Artificial Intelligence revolution, warning that the country was becoming dependent on Chinese technology for electric motors, batteries, and optics.
On India-US relations, Rahul emphasised the need for a partnership focused on collaboration, noting that India’s industrial capabilities were crucial for the US due to its cost structure.
He reiterated his commitment to the Constitution, stating, “No force will dare touch this. I know that the RSS has never accepted it. Mohan Bhagwat (RSS chief) has said that India didn’t get independence in 1947”.
He also raised questions about the voter lists in Maharashtra, pointing out discrepancies between the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections and criticising the removal of the Chief Justice of India from the panel to select Election Commissioners.
On unemployment, Rahul lamented that neither the UPA nor the NDA government had provided a clear answer to the youth of the country regarding job creation.