Congress Demands Expunging of Defamatory Remarks by BJP MP on Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha Records
New Delhi [India], August 7 (ANI): In a recent development, the Indian National Congress has demanded the removal of libellous and defamatory remarks made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey against Rahul Gandhi, MP of Congress, in the Lok Sabha. Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary wrote to the Lok Sabha speaker on behalf of the party, requesting that Dubey’s statements be expunged from the official records.
Under Rule 380, the Congress leader urged for a thorough investigation into how such allegations were allowed to be raised on the record. Consequently, the Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned until 2 pm on Monday due to the protests by opposition members regarding Dubey’s comments about Rahul Gandhi. It should be noted that Rahul Gandhi’s membership to the House was reinstated recently, and he was present during the session when the remarks were made.
During the session, Dubey referred to a report in a US-based newspaper that cited links between a US tech mogul and Chinese propaganda. He further mentioned an Indian news site under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate. Dubey went on to make allegations against the Congress in relation to China, demanding an inquiry by the Election Commission. The BJP MP alleged that Rahul Gandhi had met the Chinese envoy during the Doklam standoff.
As the Chair attempted to proceed with the day’s agenda, opposition members voiced their protest against Dubey’s statements. Consequently, the adjournment of the Lok Sabha was extended until 2 pm. Earlier in the day, the Lok Sabha Secretariat restored Rahul Gandhi’s membership after the Supreme Court stayed his conviction in a criminal defamation case related to his comments on the ‘Modi’ surname.
In March this year, Rahul Gandhi was disqualified as an MP from Wayanad in Kerala. However, the Supreme Court’s interim order overturned the conviction in the criminal defamation case over his ‘Modi surname’ remark. Previously, the Gujarat High Court had declined to stay his conviction, sentencing him to two years in jail.
