New Delhi: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday criticised the government over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s absence during recent Lok Sabha proceedings and objected to Union Minister J.P. Nadda’s remarks describing Rahul Gandhi as “naive,” saying Opposition leaders must be allowed to speak freely in Parliament.
Her comments came amid continuing disruptions in both Houses of Parliament and escalating exchanges between the Treasury and Opposition benches over debate time, procedure, and recent political controversies.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Priyanka Gandhi questioned the tone used against the Leader of the Opposition and alleged that the government was reluctant to face critical questions raised by the Opposition.
Objection to “naive” remark in Rajya Sabha
Reacting to J.P. Nadda’s statement in the Rajya Sabha referring to Rahul Gandhi as “naive” (abodh), Priyanka Gandhi said such language was inappropriate in parliamentary discourse.
“Is this a way to talk about anyone? He should be allowed to speak,” she said, defending Rahul Gandhi’s right to complete his speech during Lok Sabha proceedings.
She further questioned whether the government was attempting to avoid specific issues raised by Opposition members. “What are they scared of — that he will quote from a book? Or are they scared of the Epstein files? Or that we will question them about the India–US deal due to which farmers will suffer?” she asked.
Her remarks referenced recent political debate around reports circulating online related to so-called Epstein-linked documents that mentioned global figures. The Government of India has dismissed such claims relating to Indian leadership as baseless and contemptible.
Rajya Sabha sees heated exchanges
Earlier in the day, the Rajya Sabha witnessed sharp exchanges between the government and Opposition amid repeated disruptions. Union Minister and Leader of the House J.P. Nadda accused Opposition parties of deliberately stalling parliamentary functioning.
He rejected allegations that democracy was under threat and said proceedings were being obstructed for political reasons. Condemning the disruption, Nadda said the House was not being allowed to function normally and urged Opposition parties to follow democratic norms inside Parliament.
During his remarks, he criticised the conduct of the Opposition and said internal party dynamics should not hold up parliamentary business — comments that triggered protests from Opposition benches.
Kharge accuses govt of suppressing debate
Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge strongly countered the government’s position, accusing it of suppressing debate and not allowing Opposition voices to be heard in the Lok Sabha.
Kharge stressed that Parliament consists of both Houses and said issues of national importance must be open to full discussion. He questioned the manner in which proceedings were being managed and asked how Parliament could function effectively without adequate debate.
Following the exchange and continued disruptions, Congress members staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha in protest.
Row over Rahul Gandhi’s interrupted speech
The latest confrontation comes against the backdrop of an ongoing dispute over Rahul Gandhi’s speech during the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address debate in the Lok Sabha.
The Congress has claimed that Rahul Gandhi, as Leader of the Opposition, was prevented from completing his remarks earlier this week. According to party leaders, he was interrupted while attempting to cite portions of an unpublished memoir by former Army Chief General M.M. Naravane in the context of national security issues.
Treasury bench members have maintained that parliamentary rules and relevance requirements must be followed during debates.
Continuing stalemate in Parliament
Parliament has seen repeated adjournments and protests over the past several sittings, with both sides blaming each other for the impasse. Key issues raised include national security references, international agreements, and political allegations circulating in public discourse.
With neither side showing signs of backing down, further disruptions are likely unless floor coordination improves between the government and Opposition leadership.
The confrontation underscores the widening political divide as high-stakes debates continue during the current session.