Parliament Budget Session Live: BJP Plans Privilege Motion Against Rahul Gandhi Over India–US Trade Deal Remarks

The ongoing Budget Session of Parliament witnessed fresh political tensions as the Bharatiya Janata Party announced plans to move a privilege motion against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of making misleading statements during discussions on an interim India–United States trade agreement. The development comes amid repeated disruptions in the Lok Sabha and sharp exchanges between the ruling party and opposition members.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the proposed motion would address what he described as a “serious breach of privilege,” alleging that Gandhi’s remarks during the Budget debate contained baseless claims. While the minister confirmed that the notice would be filed, details regarding the exact timeline or the member who would initiate the motion were not specified. Sources indicated that a representative from the treasury benches is likely to introduce it in the Lok Sabha.

The controversy stems from Gandhi’s criticism of the proposed India–US interim trade arrangement, which he described as detrimental to national interests. His statements intensified the already charged atmosphere in Parliament, leading to protests by opposition MPs within the complex. Demonstrators accused the government of compromising the country’s economic sovereignty, while ruling party leaders dismissed the allegations as politically motivated rhetoric.

Tensions had been building since earlier in the session, when Gandhi attempted to refer to excerpts from an unpublished memoir attributed to former Army chief General MM Naravane concerning the 2020 India–China standoff. The Chair reportedly intervened, preventing the reference on grounds of procedural and security concerns. Responding to the incident, Rijiju argued that sensitive discussions involving top national leadership and defence matters should not be publicly aired, warning that such disclosures could pose risks to national security.

Adding to the controversy, Rijiju alleged that several opposition members had used inappropriate language toward Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla during a heated exchange in his chamber. The claims further escalated the political confrontation, although opposition leaders have not publicly responded to the accusation.

The Budget Session has faced multiple disruptions since early February, with both sides accusing each other of undermining parliamentary decorum. The ruling party maintains that the opposition is attempting to politicise sensitive issues, while opposition members argue that they are raising legitimate concerns about policy decisions and governance.

Analysts say the proposed privilege motion could deepen the political divide in Parliament, potentially leading to extended debates on parliamentary conduct and freedom of expression within legislative proceedings. Such motions are typically used to address actions considered misleading or disrespectful to the House, making the move a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute.

As the session continues, observers expect further confrontations over economic policy, national security discussions, and procedural rules. The developments highlight the increasingly charged political climate surrounding major legislative debates, particularly those linked to international trade agreements and defence-related issues.