The Rajya Sabha witnessed sharp exchanges on Thursday after Union Minister and BJP president JP Nadda accused the Congress of allowing itself to be “held hostage to an abodh balak (naive child)”, a remark widely seen as targeting Rahul Gandhi. The confrontation unfolded amid repeated disruptions and a broader standoff between the government and the Opposition during the ongoing Parliament session.
🚨 BRUTAL! Union Minister JP Nadda indirectly takes a dig at Rahul Gandhi, referring to him as “Abodh Balak” 🤯 pic.twitter.com/cEgchfvVyX
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) February 5, 2026
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The developments come a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled address in the Lok Sabha was cancelled following disruptions. The Prime Minister is now expected to address the Upper House later on Thursday.
Taking aim at the Opposition, Nadda blamed the Congress for stalling parliamentary proceedings and dismissed allegations that democratic functioning was under threat.
“You did not let the House function. I strongly condemn the allegation that democracy is in danger,” he said.
Urging the Congress to reflect on its internal functioning, Nadda added: “You must understand this within the party as well. In a democracy, things should be done democratically… Don’t let the party become hostage to a naive child.”
Kharge accuses government of silencing Opposition
Congress president and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, hit back strongly, accusing the government of suppressing Opposition voices, particularly in the Lok Sabha.
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He reminded the House that Parliament consists of two chambers and questioned why issues of national importance could not be freely raised.
“How can you run the House like this?” Kharge asked.
During the heated exchange, some remarks made by Kharge were expunged from the official proceedings by the Chair.
Rijiju, Sitharaman step in as tensions rise
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also intervened, urging members to respect parliamentary rules and traditions.
“Members across parties are waiting to hear the Prime Minister’s address. If the Congress does not wish to listen, that is its choice, but others do,” Rijiju said, alleging that Rahul Gandhi was not adhering to parliamentary norms.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman objected strongly to Kharge’s use of the word “lynching” during the debate and demanded that it be removed from the record. She also referred to past incidents of violence, including a controversial case in Kerala involving the assault of a teacher, questioning the response of the then Congress-led government.
Congress walks out amid escalating confrontation
As tempers flared, Congress members staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha. The confrontation in the Upper House mirrored ongoing protests in the Lok Sabha, where the Congress has alleged that Rahul Gandhi was not allowed to complete his speech during the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address.
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Earlier this week, Gandhi was stopped while attempting to read excerpts from former Army chief General MM Naravane’s unpublished memoir, which he had cited as raising concerns related to national security.
Congress leaders have accused the government of deliberately blocking the discussion of sensitive issues, while announcing consultations with other Opposition parties to chart a joint strategy.
The government, however, has rejected these allegations, insisting that parliamentary rules must be followed and that debate has not been curtailed.
Parliamentary deadlock continues
With disruptions in both Houses, the session has seen repeated adjournments, overshadowing scheduled legislative business. The standoff highlights deepening friction between the Treasury benches and the Opposition, even as key debates remain stalled.
