Politics – Kiren Rijiju Accuses Rahul Gandhi of Undermining National Security
Politics – Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has launched a sharp attack on Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, alleging that his conduct and political engagements pose concerns for India’s national security. In an interview with ANI, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister said he believes the country has never witnessed such behavior from someone holding the post of Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
Allegations Over Links and Meetings
Rijiju accused Gandhi of maintaining associations with individuals and groups he described as hostile to India’s interests. He alleged that Gandhi has met with Maoists, extremists, and certain ideologues both within the country and abroad. According to the minister, such interactions raise serious questions about the Congress leader’s judgment and responsibilities in a sensitive constitutional position.
He also referred to meetings with international figures, including financier George Soros, suggesting that such engagements warrant scrutiny. Rijiju claimed that these associations, in his view, have implications that go beyond routine political dialogue.
Concerns Over Parliamentary Conduct
Turning to recent disruptions in Parliament, Rijiju said that some degree of protest and disagreement is natural in a parliamentary democracy. He acknowledged that political parties often attempt to highlight their issues during sessions, which can lead to noise and heated exchanges.
However, he expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as excessive and inappropriate conduct. Without naming specific incidents in detail, the minister stated that actions such as throwing papers toward the Speaker, carrying banners into the House, and staging dramatic protests were not practices followed by his party when it was in opposition. He said such behavior undermines the dignity of Parliament.
Rijiju described Gandhi’s approach as immature for someone occupying a senior parliamentary role. He argued that the Leader of the Opposition is expected to represent the collective voice of opposition parties and to act with restraint and responsibility.
Dispute Involving Ravneet Singh Bittu
The minister also referred to a recent confrontation involving Gandhi and Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu inside Parliament premises. While details of the exchange were not elaborated upon in the interview, Rijiju indicated that the episode reflected what he termed an unnecessary escalation in tone and behavior.
He maintained that political disagreements should be addressed through structured debate rather than public confrontation or symbolic protest actions.
Remarks on Prime Minister Amid Controversy
Addressing comments made by Gandhi in connection with discussions surrounding the so-called Epstein files controversy, Rijiju criticized the Congress leader for mentioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi without presenting evidence. He argued that serious allegations require substantiation and that raising the Prime Minister’s name without documentary proof could mislead the public.
Rijiju stated that if any documents or verifiable information exist, they should be presented openly. In his view, unverified references risk damaging institutional credibility and eroding trust in public discourse.
Reaction to Congress Internal Developments
The BJP leader also commented on recent remarks by senior Congress figure Mani Shankar Aiyar, whose statements reportedly created discomfort within his party. When the Congress leadership distanced itself from Aiyar’s comments, the veteran politician reportedly said that a party unable to tolerate internal dissent would face difficulties.
Rijiju used the episode to contrast what he described as the Congress party’s past and present leadership styles. He said that earlier Congress leaders were known for measured speech and administrative experience, but alleged that the party’s direction has changed over time.
Political Context and Ongoing Debate
The exchange underscores the increasingly combative tone between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the opposition Congress in the current political climate. With Parliament sessions often marked by sharp disagreements, both sides have accused each other of lowering the standards of debate.
While Rijiju’s remarks reflect the BJP’s criticism of Rahul Gandhi’s political approach, the Congress has consistently defended its leader, maintaining that questioning the government is part of democratic accountability.
As political tensions continue, the debate over conduct, national security, and institutional decorum remains central to India’s parliamentary discourse.