New Delhi

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday intensified his attack on the government over his attempt to raise a specific episode related to the 2020 India–China standoff, as mentioned in former Army chief General M.M. Naravane’s book. Gandhi alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi avoided attending the Lok Sabha out of fear of what the opposition intended to say.

Speaking to reporters, Gandhi claimed that the Prime Minister stayed away from the House because he was apprehensive about being confronted with questions and even about being presented with General Naravane’s book. “The Prime Minister did not come to the House because he was scared of what we were going to say. He was scared of being handed General Naravane’s book as a first step,” he alleged.

Rejecting claims that opposition members had created an “unprecedented situation” in Parliament, Gandhi said there was no question of any Congress MP threatening or attacking the Prime Minister. He challenged the government to take action if such allegations were indeed true. “If anyone has said this, why hasn’t the government filed an FIR or taken action?” he asked.

Gandhi also alleged that the government was reluctant to allow a debate on the Union Budget, claiming it feared scrutiny over a deal with the United States and its potential impact on farmers. According to him, these concerns were among the reasons the government was avoiding parliamentary discussion.

The Lok Sabha has witnessed repeated adjournments over the opposition’s insistence that Gandhi be allowed to make his intended remarks. Amid the deadlock, the House last week passed the motion of thanks on the President’s Address without a detailed debate.

Referring to discussions held between the government and the opposition to resolve the impasse, Gandhi said there was an understanding that he would be allowed to raise his points, followed by a discussion. “We want the discussion to take place. We are keen on it. But now it depends on what the government decides. My personal assessment is that the government is afraid of debate,” he said.

The Congress leader accused Defence Minister Rajnath Singh of misleading Parliament on the status of General Naravane’s memoir. He claimed the controversy began when the government objected to any reference to the book and subsequently prevented him from speaking. “At first, they said I couldn’t quote a book. Then they said I couldn’t refer to a magazine. Even when I said I would speak without quoting anything, they did not allow me. The Defence Minister said the book was not published, which is not true. The book has been published and we have a copy,” Gandhi alleged.

He further said the opposition was denied the opportunity to speak during the debate on the President’s Address, which he described as a serious issue for parliamentary democracy.

Gandhi also made an indirect reference to BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, alleging that ruling party members were allowed to make objectionable remarks while the opposition was restrained. “One of their MPs spoke at length, quoted multiple books, and made very offensive allegations. Nothing was done. We object to this double standard,” he said.

He added that the suspension of opposition MPs and allegations that members intended to threaten the Prime Minister were deeply troubling. “There is absolutely no question of that. The Prime Minister should have the courage to come to the House. He is not scared of members, but of the truth,” Gandhi alleged.

“If anyone has claimed that they would attack the Prime Minister, register an FIR immediately and arrest them. Why hasn’t that been done?” he said.

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Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha has taken up discussions on the Union Budget.