Tue Feb 03 07:07:59 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Parliamentary Standoff: Rahul Gandhi’s Attempt to Quote Unpublished Memoir on India-China Conflict Sparks Controversy

The Story:

A heated debate erupted in the Lok Sabha on February 2, 2026, when Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attempted to quote from an unpublished memoir by former Army chief M.M. Naravane regarding the 2020 India-China conflict. Speaker Om Birla disallowed the quotation, citing Rule 349 of the parliamentary procedures. This led to repeated adjournments and accusations from both sides of the aisle. The BJP alleged that Gandhi’s actions undermined Parliament’s dignity and hurt the morale of Indian soldiers, while Gandhi claimed the government was “afraid” of the contents of the memoir, which allegedly indicts Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

The controversy centers on whether parliamentary rules allow members to quote from unpublished documents and the implications of doing so. Former Lok Sabha secretary general P.D.T. Achary clarified that while Rule 349 prohibits reading from books, newspapers, or letters unless connected to the House’s business, it can also be interpreted positively to allow relevant quotations if properly authenticated.

Key Points:

  • The controversy occurred on February 2, 2026, during a Motion of Thanks on the President’s address.
  • Rahul Gandhi attempted to quote from an unpublished memoir by former Army chief M.M. Naravane regarding the 2020 India-China conflict.
  • Speaker Om Birla disallowed the quotation, citing Rule 349 of parliamentary procedures.
  • Rule 349(i) prohibits members from reading books, newspapers, or letters unless connected to the House’s business.
  • Former Lok Sabha secretary general P.D.T. Achary stated that the rule allows quotations if relevant and authenticated.
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh questioned the citation of unpublished material.
  • BJP leaders accused Gandhi of undermining Parliament and hurting soldiers’ morale.
  • Gandhi claimed the government was “afraid” of the memoir’s contents.

Key Takeaways:

  • The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress party regarding the handling of the 2020 India-China conflict.
  • The interpretation of parliamentary rules regarding the use of unpublished documents is open to debate and subject to the Speaker’s discretion.
  • The event underscores the importance of authentication and verification of information presented in Parliament.
  • The conflict illustrates the potential for privilege motions against members who present incorrect or fake information.
  • The incident reveals how parliamentary procedures can become flashpoints in broader political battles.

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