In a move that could escalate tensions between the ruling BJP and the Opposition, Congress has decided to file a privilege complaint against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for praising BJP leader Anurag Thakur’s contentious speech against Rahul Gandhi. The Prime Minister shared a video of Thakur’s speech on X (formerly Twitter), calling it a “must hear” and praising it for its mix of “facts and humour.”
“This speech by my young and energetic colleague, Shri @ianuragthakur is a must hear. A perfect mix of facts and humour, exposing the dirty politics of the INDI Alliance,” the Prime Minister tweeted.
The Congress sharply criticised the Prime Minister’s endorsement, accusing him of encouraging a “serious breach of parliamentary privilege” by sharing a speech they described as “highly abusive and unconstitutional.”
Listen to full speech here:
Anurag Thakur’s remarks against Rahul Gandhi during the Budget 2024 debate had already drawn a heated response from the Opposition. Senior Congress MP Jagdambika Pal, who was in the Chair at the time, assured that the offensive remarks would be expunged from the record.
However, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh claimed that Sansad TV uploaded the unedited speech, calling it a “new and shameful low” and accusing the BJP-RSS and Modi of “deep-rooted casteism.”
Also Read: ‘Don’t forget…’: Rahul Gandhi warns Anurag Thakur as Budget showdown continues between Oppn, treasury benches
A five-time MP from Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh, the personal attack by Anurag Thakur on Rahul Gandhi during his speech sparked immediate outrage. Rahul Gandhi interjected, demanding the opportunity to respond to what he described as an insult. “You can insult me as much as you want, do it every day. But don’t forget that we (the opposition) will get the Bill (on Caste Census) passed here (in Parliament),” Rahul Gandhi retorted.
As the controversy unfolds, the Congress’s decision to move a privilege complaint signals further parliamentary confrontations, highlighting the deepening rift between the government and the Opposition over sensitive issues such as caste and parliamentary decorum.
