Congress Demands Rahul Gandhi Be Allowed to Speak Before PM Modi
New Delhi | February 4, 2026
The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day on Wednesday after heavy protests by Opposition MPs stopped Prime Minister Narendra Modi from replying to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address.
Women MPs from Opposition parties walked to the front row and held banners near the Prime Minister’s seat. The protest was against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey for making allegations against former Congress Prime Ministers by reading from books inside the House.
The Prime Minister was not present at that time. The House was adjourned by the presiding officer.
Congress Sets Condition
The Congress said the Prime Minister should speak only after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi is allowed to speak in the House.
Congress leaders said there is no meaning to a debate if the Leader of Opposition is not heard.
Book Row Triggers Chaos
Earlier in the day, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey read from books like Edwina and Nehru and Mitrokhin Archives in the Lok Sabha, making allegations against Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.
Congress MPs rushed to the Well of the House and protested loudly.
The Chair cited Rule 349, which bans reading from books not related to House business.
Despite this, the BJP MP continued speaking for several minutes.
Rahul Gandhi and Memoir Issue
Rahul Gandhi earlier tried to quote from a book by former Army Chief Manoj Naravane about the 2020 India–China standoff.
The Speaker stopped him, saying the book was unpublished.
Rahul Gandhi later challenged the Prime Minister to come to the House and face questions.
Allegations of Double Standards
Congress leaders accused the Speaker of bias.
They said:
- Rahul Gandhi’s mic was switched off within seconds
- BJP MP spoke freely despite rule violations
Many remarks were later removed from official records.
Opposition Strategy Meeting
In the evening, Congress leaders met at party president Mallikarjun Kharge’s house.
They decided to form a joint Opposition strategy.
Congress said the deadlock will continue until Rahul Gandhi is allowed to speak.
