Rahul Gandhi reads out excerpts from former Army Chief’s book; ruling side disrupts speech

NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha on Monday witnessed loud disruptions as ruling and opposition members clashed over the issue of Chinese intrusion in Ladakh. The uproar began after the Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi read out portions from an unpublished book by former Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane. The commotion forced the Speaker to adjourn the House till 3 pm. However, even after the House resumed, members continued to raise slogans, leading to further disruptions when the issue was raised again.

In the morning, Rahul Gandhi arrived at the House with an article published by a magazine based on 'Four Stars of Destiny,' a book written by General Naravane about the 2020 Ladakh standoff. During his speech, as Rahul began reading excerpts from the book, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh strongly objected.

The ruling side argued that quoting from an unpublished book in the House was against parliamentary rules and demanded that Rahul Gandhi place the book before the House. They questioned how material from an unpublished book could be cited as authentic and called for the House to consider action against a member who does not follow the Speaker's ruling. The ruling party also accused Rahul Gandhi of undermining Parliament.

Responding to the criticism, Rahul Gandhi said he raised the issue because BJP MP Tejasvi Surya had questioned his and the Congress party's patriotism. “What is there in this book that frightens you so much? If you are not afraid, allow me to speak,” Rahul Gandhi said. He added that the points he was quoting were “100 per cent true.”