BJP Accuses Rahul Gandhi of Disregarding Parliamentary Norms During Budget Session’s First Phase

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday mounted a sharp attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, criticising what it described as his “unparliamentary” and “disruptive” conduct during the first phase of the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament, which concluded on February 13.

The current Budget Session has been scheduled in two segments — the first from January 28 to February 13, and the second slated to resume from March 9 to April 2.

Addressing the media after the House was adjourned, senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad alleged that Rahul Gandhi’s actions reflected a lack of regard for democratic institutions, constitutional conventions, and parliamentary discipline.

The former Union minister accused the Congress leader of repeatedly projecting a negative image of India on international platforms and of taking what he termed an “irresponsible stance” on sensitive matters, including issues related to the armed forces.

Prasad further alleged that during the session, Gandhi encouraged Members of Parliament to surround Prime Minister Narendra Modi inside the House — a move he described as contrary to established parliamentary decorum.

“Today, the proceedings of Parliament have been adjourned until March 9.

The behaviour displayed by Congress members, under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, demonstrates a disregard for democratic processes, constitutional propriety, and the established rules of Parliament,” Prasad said.

The BJP leader also criticised Gandhi for comments allegedly made during overseas engagements in cities such as London, Malaysia and Singapore, where he is said to have raised concerns about the state of democracy in India.

According to Prasad, speaking critically about India’s democratic framework on foreign soil has become a recurring pattern. He suggested that such remarks stem from political frustration over repeated electoral setbacks.

Referring to a separate controversy involving a forthcoming book by former Army chief General M M Naravane, Prasad questioned how Gandhi accessed details of a publication that, according to the publisher, had not yet been officially released.

Highlighting incidents from the recently concluded session, Prasad claimed that a Sikh minister was labelled a “traitor” during heated exchanges, and that the Speaker of the Lok Sabha was addressed in an informal manner inconsistent with parliamentary etiquette.

He also alleged that Congress members, including women MPs, approached and surrounded the Prime Minister’s seat in the House.

Citing another instance, Prasad said that during a press interaction by Union Minister Prahlad Joshi, Rahul Gandhi entered the venue and sought to address the media simultaneously.

He questioned whether such conduct would be acceptable if roles were reversed, asking whether BJP leaders had ever disrupted a Congress press conference similarly.

“If the Leader of Opposition wishes to engage in conduct that disregards institutional norms, he may do so within his own party.

Such behaviour cannot be condoned in Parliament,” Prasad remarked, adding that the BJP found it necessary to formally address the matter following the adjournment of the House.

He concluded by stating that the BJP strongly condemns what it views as a pattern of disorderly and politically uncivil conduct, asserting that parliamentary democracy demands accountability, restraint and respect for procedure from all members.

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