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Parliament Stalemate Over Rahul Gandhi's China Remarks in Budget Session

Both Houses of Parliament continue discussing the motion of thanks to the President's address amid controversy. The Lok Sabha witnessed a heated stalemate after Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi referenced an unpublished memoir by a former Army Chief regarding the 2020 China border tensions, drawing strong objections from BJP members. Speaker Om Birla ruled that Gandhi should not make references to the unpublished material, contributing to repeated adjournments of the House. Meanwhile, proceedings also include an obituary for a late Congress leader and motions for elections to various parliamentary committees.

Key Points: Budget Session: Rahul Gandhi's China Remarks Spark Parliament Row

  • Heated exchange over China remarks
  • Motion of thanks to President's address
  • Reference to ex-Army Chief's memoir
  • Speaker rules against unpublished references
  • Proceedings include obituary and committee elections
2 min read

Budget Session 2026: Both Houses to continue discussion on motion of 'Thanks to President's address'

Lok Sabha adjourned after heated debate over Rahul Gandhi's reference to ex-Army Chief's memoir on China standoff during motion of thanks discussion.

"He said that the House works according to the rules. - Speaker Om Birla"

New Delhi, February 3

Both Houses of Parliament are scheduled to continue the discussion on the motion of 'Thanks to the President's address' during the ongoing Budget Session on Tuesday.

In the Lok Sabha, the motion was moved by Sarbananda Sonowal and seconded by Tejasvi Surya. On Monday, the House witnessed a heated exchange between the NDA and the INDIA bloc MPs during Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi's address, during which he cited an unpublished memoir by former Army Chief General MM Naravane on border tensions with China. BJP members strongly objected to Rahul Gandhi's remarks, saying he violated the House's rules.

In the Upper House, the BJP MP Sadananad Master moved the motion of thanks and, on Monday, delivered an emotional address, placing his artificial limbs on the bench.

The motion comes in response to President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint sitting of both the Houses to mark the beginning of the Budget Session on January 28.

Meanwhile, in the Lower House, today's proceedings will begin with an obituary for Congress leader Surupsingh Hirya Naik, who passed away in December 2025.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and MP Kodikunnil Suresh will move the motion, "That this House do agree with the Fourteenth Report of the Business Advisory Committee presented to the House on February 2."

MPs are also scheduled to move a motion for election to the Committee on Estimates, the Committee on Public Accounts, the Committee on Public Undertaking, and the Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Lok Sabha on Monday witnessed repeated interruptions and was later adjourned for the day following a prolonged stalemate over LoP Rahul Gandhi's insistence on speaking about a specific matter pertaining to the standoff with China during border tensions in 2020 while referring to a report citing an unpublished memoir of former Army Chief General MM Naravane. The House, which began discussion on the motion of thanks on the President's Address, was adjourned till 3 pm, 4 pm and later for the day.

Speaker Om Birla ruled that Rahul Gandhi should not make references to the unpublished book and article. When the House met at 3 pm, the Speaker urged the Leader of the Opposition to proceed with his speech without mentioning his intended reference. He said that the House works according to the rules.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Sadanand Master ji's gesture in the Rajya Sabha, placing his artificial limbs on the bench, was incredibly powerful. It's a reminder of the sacrifices made by many for this nation. We need more such sincere moments in Parliament, not just shouting matches. 🙏
A
Arjun K
While the Speaker is correct about rules, why is there such fear in discussing the China border issue? If an ex-Army Chief has written something in his memoir, it's a matter of national security and the people have a right to know. The government should address concerns, not just silence them.
S
Sarah B
Observing from abroad, it's concerning to see the Parliament stalled. The motion of thanks should be a dignified affair reflecting on the President's vision. I hope the elected committees on Estimates and Public Accounts can function without this level of disruption. The world is watching.
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Vikram M
First, respects to Surupsingh Hirya Naik ji. On the main issue, rules are rules. You cannot cite unpublished documents in the House, it's that simple. The LoP should know better. Let's get back to the President's address which outlined many good schemes for farmers and youth.
K
Kavya N
This happens every session! Heated exchange, adjournment, and no real work done. Meanwhile, common people like us are dealing with price hikes. Our MPs should remember they are there to solve our problems, not create new ones every day. Very disappointing.

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