New Delhi

The Centre is not inclined to move a privilege motion against Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, though portions of his speech delivered in the House on Wednesday are likely to be expunged for lack of authentication, sources said.

The development comes a day after Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that BJP members would initiate a privilege notice against Gandhi for allegedly misleading the House and making unsubstantiated claims.

Rijiju had accused Gandhi of making baseless and false allegations against the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting that parliamentary rules require members to provide prior notice and evidence while levelling serious charges.

“We are going to file a privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi for misleading the House and making baseless statements. There are clear rules of procedure in both Houses. If a member wants to make serious allegations, they must give notice and substantiate them,” Rijiju had said.

He added that Gandhi was asked to authenticate the claims made during his speech. “He made serious allegations, including against Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, without giving any notice or proof. On what basis is he saying that the Prime Minister has sold India and its interests?” Rijiju asked.

During his remarks on Wednesday, Gandhi questioned why industrialist Anil Ambani was not in jail, alleging that his name figured in Epstein-related documents.

He also claimed there was pressure on Prime Minister Modi over the India-US nuclear deal and alleged that decisions related to data, farmers, energy security and defence would not have been taken under normal circumstances.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Gandhi said he was prepared to authenticate the information he had cited. “There are US Department of Justice files linked to the Epstein case that mention Hardeep Puri and Anil Ambani. In an ongoing case involving Adani, summons have been issued, but the government has not responded for 18 months,” he claimed.

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Gandhi further alleged that such decisions could only be taken if there was “a certain grip” or pressure on the Prime Minister.