Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Anurag Thakur on 31 July called the Gandhi family and the Indian National Congress party 'filled with arrogance,' a day after filing a breach of privilege notice against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha. The remarks came amid escalating parliamentary tensions over Gandhi's speech during the debate on the anti-paper leak bill.

Background: The Privilege Notice

Thakur had submitted the notice to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla under Rule 222 read with Rule 223 of the Rules of Procedure, citing contempt of the House. The trigger was Gandhi's address in the Lower House, in which he criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the alleged police crackdown on young demonstrators during the 20 July Parliament march.

What Thakur Said

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament House, Thakur said: 'We have repeatedly seen that the Congress and some opposition parties never back off from insulting the Indian Army or the police. Whether it is airstrikes, surgical strikes, or Operation Sindoor, they keep raising questions and speaking the language of our foreign enemies. Unfortunately, today Congress leaders are using objectionable language inside the House and making baseless allegations that go against parliamentary rules.'

Thakur also took aim at Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, alleging she referred to the media as 'paaltu' inside the House, while Rahul Gandhi called the media 'BJP wale' outside. 'This family and the party (Congress) are filled with arrogance. Despite staying out of power for 12 years, they raise questions and insult constitutional establishments,' he added.

BJP's Manoj Tiwari Joins the Criticism

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari echoed the sentiment, alleging that both Rahul Gandhi and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge used unacceptable language while opposing the bill in their respective Houses. 'The allegations made by both of them against the Home Minister and the use of abusive language will never be forgiven by the people of the country,' Tiwari said.

Congress Pushes Back

Congress MP Tariq Anwar defended Rahul Gandhi, dismissing the BJP's criticism as 'nothing but sycophancy.' Anwar said Gandhi had not said anything inappropriate, and that it was the Home Minister's responsibility to oversee law and order. 'Whatever happened on 20 July was witnessed by everyone and people have condemned it,' he said.

This is the latest flashpoint in a series of parliamentary confrontations between the ruling BJP and the Opposition bloc, with the anti-paper leak bill debate serving as the most recent fault line. How the Lok Sabha Speaker rules on the privilege notice will be closely watched in the days ahead.