Rahul Gandhi Appeals to Speaker to Expunge Derogatory Remarks, Calls for Parliamentary Debate

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi met with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday, requesting the removal of derogatory comments made against him during a recent parliamentary session. Addressing the media after the meeting, Gandhi stated, "I met with the Speaker and urged him to expunge the derogatory remarks made about me. He assured me that he would review the matter. Our priority is that the House functions effectively, and meaningful discussions take place."

Gandhi emphasized the Congress party's intent to proceed with a debate scheduled for December 13, despite attempts by the ruling party to divert attention. "They don't want a discussion on Adani, but we will persist. Allegations against us will continue, but the House must operate, and the debate must happen," he asserted.

The controversy stems from remarks made by BJP MPs Nishikant Dubey and Sambit Patra on December 5, accusing Gandhi of having links with Hungarian-American billionaire George Soros and the global investigative network OCCRP (Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project). Dubey had stated in the House, “Congress ka haath, Soros ke saath,” and questioned whether Gandhi had received funds from Soros for the Bharat Jodo Yatra.

These allegations sparked a heated uproar in Parliament, with Congress MPs storming the Well of the House in protest, leading to an adjournment. The Congress members also pressed for action on their privilege breach notices against Dubey and Patra.

Speaking outside Parliament, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra responded to the controversy, defending her brother. “Those who can label Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi as traitors have no hesitation in calling Rahul Gandhi one. This is not new. I am proud of my brother, who prioritizes the nation above everything else,” she remarked.

The debate over the allegations and the broader implications of the BJP's claims against the Congress continue to dominate political discourse, setting the stage for further confrontations in the days ahead.