The proceedings of the Lok Sabha was disrupted thrice following a noisy scene over the remarks of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi relating to the unpublished book of former Army Chief M M Naravane during motion of thanks on President’s address. When the House met after the second adjournment at 4 PM, Mr Gandhi again referred to the unpublished book to which treasury bench members objected. He said he is raising the matter as it is related to national security. The Presiding Officer reminded Mr Gandhi of the Speaker’s ruling to Mr Gandhi and urged him to stick to the topic of motion of thanks. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also urged Mr Gandhi to speak only on motion of thanks. Despite the Chair’s repeated appeal, Mr Gandhi again referred to the matter which led to adjournment of the House till 11 AM tomorrow.
Earlier, When Mr Gandhi spoke about it, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accused Mr Gandhi of misleading the House by quoting imaginary excerpts which are not factually correct. Home Minister Amit Shah said, when the book has not even been published, how can Mr Gandhi quote from it. Objecting to the remarks, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said, Mr Gandhi should not insult the Army. Amid ruckus, Lok Sabha was adjourned till 4 PM.
When Mr Gandhi began his speech referred to former Army Chief MM Naravane’s unpublished book which was objected by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh saying that Mr Gandhi should not speak about this matter as the book has not been published. Speaker Om Birla in his ruling said, no book or news report shall be read unless it has a connection with the proceedings of this House. He said, as the discussion is in motion of thanks on President’s address and Mr Gandhi should stick to the address and speak. As the ruckus continued, the Speaker adjourned the House till 3 PM.
