Lok Sabha disrupted as Rahul Gandhi sparks row with unpublished Army Chief reference; BJP flags ‘Repeated Anti-India Pattern’

Rahul Gandhi’s remarks referencing an unpublished military book triggered protests, Speaker intervention and fresh criticism over his stance on national issues

PGurus Newsdesk

February 2, 2026

Row revives criticism of Rahul Gandhi’s past statements on the military and national issues

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah object as Speaker flags breach of parliamentary norms

The Lok Sabha witnessed sharp confrontations on Monday after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi triggered a storm by citing an unpublished book by former Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane during his address in the ongoing Budget Session.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh immediately objected, arguing that material not formally released to the public cannot be cited in parliamentary proceedings. Singh repeatedly asked Gandhi to clarify whether the book had been officially published, maintaining that quoting from an unpublished source amounted to misleading the House.

Gandhi, who was speaking on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address, insisted that the material was “authenticated” and claimed he was compelled to raise the issue after BJP MP Tejasvi Surya questioned the Congress party’s patriotism. The defence minister, however, stood firm, stating that parliamentary norms do not permit references to unpublished material, regardless of claims of authenticity.

As tempers rose, Speaker Om Birla intervened, citing House rules that prohibit quoting books, documents, or media reports unrelated to proceedings or not officially placed before Parliament. Gandhi then attempted to reframe his argument by saying he was quoting from a magazine article, prompting Singh to accuse him of deliberately misleading the House.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also weighed in, backing the objection and stressing the need for credibility in parliamentary debate. “Magazines can publish anything,” Shah said, urging Gandhi to restrict himself to verified, published sources and uphold parliamentary standards.

The exchange plunged the House into disorder, with Opposition members protesting what they termed repeated interruptions, while Treasury bench MPs demanded strict adherence to procedure. The uproar forced Speaker Birla to adjourn the Lok Sabha till 3 pm.

BJP leaders later described the episode as part of a broader and troubling pattern in Rahul Gandhi’s politics, accusing him of repeatedly casting aspersions on India’s institutions at home and abroad. They pointed to his past remarks overseas questioning India’s democratic credentials, his public skepticism over the 2016 surgical strikes, comments seen as soft on China during the Doklam and Ladakh standoffs, and earlier statements suggesting that India’s economy and governance had “collapsed” — remarks the ruling party says were eagerly amplified by foreign critics of India.

“This is not an isolated incident but a continuation of Rahul Gandhi’s habit of undermining India’s armed forces, institutions, and global standing,” a senior BJP leader said, arguing that such conduct damages national interest, especially when made from the floor of Parliament.

The incident occurred on a day when both Houses met at 11 am to continue debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to reply on February 11. The Budget Session, which began with the presentation of the Union Budget 2026–27 on Sunday, will run for 30 sittings over 65 days and conclude on April 2, with a recess beginning February 13.

Timeline: Rahul Gandhi’s past controversial remarks flagged as anti-India

2016 | Questioning the surgical strikes
After India conducted surgical strikes across the Line of Control following the Uri terror attack, Gandhi publicly questioned the government’s claims, asking for “proof”. The remarks drew sharp criticism for undermining the Indian Army at a sensitive time.

2018 | Comments on defence deals and institutions
Gandhi accused Indian institutions of being compromised during his attacks over defence procurement, prompting BJP leaders to accuse him of eroding trust in constitutional bodies and national security mechanisms.

2020 | Remarks during the China–India standoff
Amid the Ladakh standoff with China, Gandhi publicly contradicted official government briefings, claiming China had occupied Indian territory—comments the BJP said echoed Beijing’s narrative and weakened India’s negotiating position.

2023 | ‘Democracy under threat’ comments overseas
While addressing gatherings in the US and Europe, Gandhi claimed Indian democracy was “under attack”, remarks that triggered backlash for allegedly internationalising domestic politics and inviting external scrutiny of India.

2024 | Echoing ‘India is a dead economy’ jibe
Gandhi’s criticism of India’s economic performance was compared by the BJP to then-US President Donald Trump’s “dead economy” remark, with the ruling party accusing him of reinforcing hostile external narratives.

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