New Delhi: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday reiterated his claim that Congress MPs had abused Speaker Om Birla inside his chamber, while stressing that the BJP favours open debate over any form of intimidation, whether physical or verbal
In a post on social media platform X, the Union Minister shared a short video clip, which he described as an “illegal” recording by a Congress MP. The footage reportedly shows a group of opposition lawmakers gathered around the Speaker’s desk, speaking loudly amid a heated confrontation. “This is the illegal video clip taken by a Congress MP when 20-25 Congress MPs entered the Chamber of Hon’ble Speaker, abused him and threatened Honb’le Prime Minister. Our party believes in debate & discussion and never encourages MPs to threaten physically,” he wrote.
Rijiju also posted a video message in which he claimed to have hurried to the Speaker’s chamber after hearing the commotion. “Priyanka Gandhi and KK C Venugopal were present in the chamber as the MPs hurled abuses at the Speaker, though they themselves did not indulge in it. They also threatened the PM, saying just wait and watch what we would do when he arrives in the House. Recording of the same is available,” he alleged, while stating that they were forced to come out with the details to counter Congress’ alleged lies.
Rijiju said the BJP has exercised the highest level of restraint. “We have been in the Opposition but have never insulted the Speaker. The Congress MPs are incorrigible and their behaviour has come as a shock for the people of the country. If we had allowed the BJP MPs to respond in the same way, a full-blown Mahabharata would have unfolded,” he observed.
He had made similar claims earlier too. “Congress is proud of the most degrading behaviour by their MPs…” he said in a post on Tuesday, adding “a very ugly scene” would have unfolded had the BJP not been on its guard.
He also told reporters that the Speaker was “deeply hurt” by the incident. He also referred to a dispute in the House regarding speaking permissions. He said that after the Speaker issued a ruling, it was allegedly not followed. He claimed that Rahul Gandhi stated he did not need anyone’s permission to speak and would speak as he wished.
