Congress leader Rahul Gandhi speaks during a press conference at the AICC headquarters in New Delhi on March 16, 2023.
| Photo Credit: PTI
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on March 16 arrived in Parliament House after his return from abroad and met Speaker Om Birla urging him to allow him to speak in Lok Sabha. The meeting was held at 1:45 p.m. in the Speaker’s Chamber.
He earlier said he has said nothing against India or the Parliament during his London visit. Mr. Gandhi said he would speak in Parliament if he is allowed by the chair.
“I went to the Parliament and told the Speaker that I want to speak in the Parliament. Four Ministers have made allegations against me and that’s why it’s my right. There is no clarity but I am not sure that they would allow. I am still hopeful that they would allow me tomorrow,” Mr. Gandhi said at a press conference.
“If they allow me to speak in Parliament, then I will say what I think,” he told reporters while leaving Parliament. He said it will not be to the BJP’s liking when he speaks inside Parliament. Mr. Gandhi said if he is not allowed, he would speak outside Parliament.
Speaking on the Adani issue, Mr. Gandhi said, “My Parliament speech on the relationship between the Prime Minister and Adani ji was entirely expunged. The government is scared of the PM-Adani relationship and that’s why this is a diversionary tactic.”
Mr. Gandhi added, “As an MP, my first responsibility is to reply in the Parliament. After that, I can discuss my comments in detail with you. Before that, I would not get into details. If Indian democracy is functioning well, then I will be able to say my piece.” Mr. Gandhi did not take any questions from reporters.
Mr. Gandhi met Speaker Birla along with the leader of the Congress party in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury.
Mr. Chowdhury later told reporters that Mr. Gandhi told the Speaker that he be allowed to speak in Parliament after his remarks made in London created a row, with the BJP demanding an apology from him while alleging that the Congress MP has insulted India and its institutions, including Parliament, on foreign soil.
When Mr. Gandhi entered the Lok Sabha, the BJP members strongly demanded that he tenders an apology for his “democracy under attack” remark in London.
Mr. Gandhi arrived in Parliament House after his return from abroad and smiled when asked if he would apologise for his remarks in London.
During an event in the U.K., Mr. Gandhi had alleged that the structures of Indian democracy are under attack and there is a “full-scale assault” on the country’s institutions.
The BJP has stepped up the heat on Mr. Gandhi following his critical remarks.
(with PTI inputs)
