Did Rahul Gandhi Lose His Temper When Asked About the ‘Privilege’ Motion?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Feb 12 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition (LoP), Rahul Gandhi, became visibly frustrated with certain reporters on Thursday during inquiries regarding a potential privilege motion against him, proposed by the ruling party amid the ongoing Budget session.
In a moment of agitation, he retorted, “Have you received this code word for today?” He urged the journalists to “maintain objectivity” in their reporting and to respect the integrity of their profession.
On the previous day, the Lok Sabha was engulfed in uproar as Rahul launched a vehement critique of the Modi administration, accusing it of compromising India and its citizens to foreign influences, in addition to selling out the Bharat Mata. His fierce condemnation prompted protests from the treasury benches, who deemed his language “unparliamentary” and called for his statements to be retracted from the official records.
Following this, BJP representatives announced plans to introduce a privilege motion against the LoP for allegedly providing the House with “baseless and malicious” information.
The Congress party, however, firmly contended that the LoP did not violate any Parliamentary protocols, asserting his right to criticize the government and Prime Minister for “capitulating and surrendering” India's energy and agricultural interests in the India-US trade agreement.
As Rahul exited the Parliament complex, reporters swarmed around him seeking his thoughts on the contemplated privilege motion. This seemed to intensify his frustration, as he asked the journalists, “Is privilege the code word for today? Have you been given this word for today?”
Further expressing his annoyance, he stated, “Yesterday it was authentication, today it is privilege. You should strive for more objective reporting. You aren't solely employed by the BJP; this is becoming quite disgraceful.”
“You are responsible individuals, and you owe it to the nation to be objective. You are doing a disservice to this country. Can't you see that?” he remarked to them.
Currently, there is no definitive information regarding the treasury benches pursuing a motion against him. Senior government sources suggest that a privilege motion is improbable; however, a substantial motion may be introduced.