The Lok Sabha witnessed repeated disruptions on Monday after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi attempted to read excerpts from the unpublished memoir of former Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane during the ongoing Budget Session.
The situation escalated when Gandhi managed to read only four words — “Chinese tanks in Doklam” — before members from the treasury benches objected, leading to a heated exchange and chaos in the House. Following the uproar, the Lok Sabha was adjourned first until 3 pm and later until 4 pm.
Reacting to the incident, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey cited constitutional provisions governing parliamentary conduct. Speaking to news agency ANI, Dubey referred to Article 105 of the Constitution, which grants Members of Parliament freedom of speech within the House, while also empowering the Speaker to regulate proceedings.
Dubey further emphasized that this freedom is subject to reasonable restrictions outlined under Article 19, particularly clauses that discourage discussion of matters that could affect national security or India’s diplomatic relations, especially with neighbouring countries.
“There are clear constitutional safeguards. Certain subjects, especially those linked to national security and foreign relations, should not be discussed in Parliament,” Dubey said.
He also alleged that Gandhi violated parliamentary rules by attempting to quote from an unpublished book, referencing Rule 349, which prohibits quoting from books or newspapers during proceedings.
“He did not even seem clear about the source he was citing. Parliamentary rules are explicit on this matter,” Dubey added.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders strongly defended Gandhi’s attempt to raise the issue. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Kumar Jha said the government’s objection reflected discomfort rather than procedural concern.
“In a healthy democracy, the question should not be whether the truth will emerge, but what actions will follow once it does,” Jha told ANI, adding that he had personally read the relevant portion of the memoir.
The episode highlights continuing tensions between the government and the opposition during the Budget Session, particularly on matters related to national security, transparency, and parliamentary privilege.
