Rahul Gandhi’s Response to Expunged Parts of His Lok Sabha Speech

Rahul Gandhi’s Response to Expunged Parts of His Lok Sabha Speech!

In a recent parliamentary session, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s speech became a focal point of controversy when parts of it were expunged from the official records. This action by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has sparked a significant debate on the boundaries of parliamentary democracy and freedom of speech within the legislative body.

The Controversy

Rahul Gandhi delivered his maiden speech as the Leader of the Opposition on a Monday, launching a scathing critique against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and questioning its adherence to Hindu principles. In his speech, Gandhi accused the BJP of perpetuating communal divisions and criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. Following this, Speaker Om Birla expunged 13 portions of Gandhi’s speech from the official records, citing reasons related to parliamentary procedures and conduct.

Gandhi’s Letter to the Speaker

In response to this expunction, Rahul Gandhi wrote a detailed letter to Speaker Om Birla, arguing that the removal of his remarks violated the tenets of parliamentary democracy. He emphasized that the Chair’s power to expunge remarks is derived from Rule 380 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha, which pertains to words deemed unparliamentary or inappropriate.

“I am, however, shocked to note the manner in which considerable portions of my speech have been simply taken off from the proceedings under the garb of expunction,” Gandhi stated in his letter. He contended that the removed portions did not fall under the ambit of Rule 380 and that his speech was a factual representation of ground realities. Gandhi also highlighted that every member of the House, representing the collective voice of the people, has the right to freedom of speech as enshrined in Article 105(1) of the Constitution of India.

Specific Allegations

Gandhi pointed out that while his remarks were expunged, only one word was removed from a speech by BJP MP Anurag Thakur, which was filled with allegations. “With due respect to your good self, this selective expunction defies logic. I request that the remarks expunged from the proceedings be restored,” Gandhi wrote.

In his speech, Gandhi had questioned the Hindu credentials of the BJP, accusing its members of perpetuating violence and hatred. “Those who call themselves Hindus are constantly spreading violence, hatred, and lies. They are not Hindus,” he had said, drawing on religious teachings that emphasize standing with the truth and non-violence.

Reaction from the Treasury Benches

The expunction of Gandhi’s remarks led to a strong reaction from the treasury benches. Prime Minister Modi and other BJP leaders criticized Gandhi, alleging that he had branded the entire Hindu community as violent. Modi intervened during Gandhi’s speech, highlighting the seriousness of his accusations. “This issue is serious. Calling the entire Hindu community violent is a serious issue,” Modi stated.

Home Minister Amit Shah also demanded an apology from Gandhi, reflecting the high tension in the House. BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj gave a notice in the Lok Sabha, alleging inaccuracies in Gandhi’s speech and accusing him of misleading the House on issues like the Agniveer scheme and compensation paid to locals in Ayodhya.

Gandhi’s Response

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Gandhi reiterated his stance, targeting Prime Minister Modi. “In Modi-ji’s world, the truth can be expunged, but in reality, the truth cannot be expunged. Whatever I had to say, I have said and that is the truth. They can expunge as much as they want, but the truth will prevail,” he said.

Gandhi further elaborated on the principles of freedom of speech and the role of parliamentarians in raising people’s concerns. “What I sought to convey in the House is the ground reality and the factual position. Every member of the House who personifies the collective voice of people whom he or she represents has the freedom of speech as enshrined in Article 105(1) of the Constitution of India,” he stated. “It is that right and in exercise of my obligations to the people of the country, that I was exercising yesterday.”

Support from the Opposition

Parties of the Indian National Developmental, Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc rallied behind Gandhi, supporting his right to speak freely in the House. They argued that expunging his remarks was an overreach of parliamentary powers and a suppression of dissenting voices.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding Rahul Gandhi’s expunged speech underscores the ongoing debates about parliamentary democracy, freedom of speech, and the limits of dissent within India’s legislative framework. As the Leader of the Opposition, Gandhi’s challenge to the ruling party’s actions highlights the critical role of opposition voices in holding the government accountable and representing the concerns of the populace. The resolution of this issue will likely have significant implications for parliamentary procedures and the broader political discourse in India.

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