There was a major uproar in the Lok Sabha on Monday during Rahul Gandhi's speech. Rahul, citing an unpublished book by former Army Chief General Naravane, said that four Chinese tanks had entered Indian territory in Doklam.
As soon as Rahul made this statement, he was interrupted first by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and then by Home Minister Amit Shah. The Speaker then stopped him, citing parliamentary rules.
Rahul continued trying to speak for about 46 minutes. Following this, the Speaker adjourned the Lok Sabha proceedings until 3 PM.
When the Lok Sabha proceedings resumed at 3 PM, Rahul began speaking again. However, due to the uproar, the proceedings were adjourned again after just 9 minutes, until 4 PM. At 4 PM, the proceedings resumed, but the uproar continued, and after 11 minutes, the proceedings were adjourned until 11 AM on Tuesday.
Naravane's autobiography 'Four Stars of Destiny' is unpublished
The book on which Rahul Gandhi is basing his claim of Chinese tanks entering Doklam is written by former Army Chief General MM Naravane. This book, titled 'Four Stars of Destiny', has not yet been published. Its hardcover is available on online shopping sites since April 2024. The book reviews the Indian Army's clashes with China in 2020, as well as the Agnipath scheme.
Naravane, who served as Army Chief from 2019 to 2022, had told the Indian Express in an interview that he had given his book to Penguin Publishers Group for publication. He said it was now a matter between the publishing group and the government. The book has been sent to the Ministry of Defence for approval. More than a year has passed, but approval for its publication has not yet been granted. Rahul Gandhi said, "What happened to the 56-inch chest when China was confronting us?"
Rahul told the media, "I wanted to speak in the House on the issue of security. What did the former Army Chief tell Rajnath Singh? I don't know why the government is scared. I wanted to mention what the former Army Chief said. General Naravane has written about the PM and Rajnath in an article. I am saying that, but I am not being allowed to speak. China was confronting us. What happened to the 56-inch chest then?"
Jagdambika Pal told Rahul, "If you want to speak, speak on the President's address."
Presiding officer Jagdambika Pal said, "The Leader of the Opposition is requested that other leaders also have to speak. Now, please give your speech on the President's address."
Pal advised Gaurav Gogoi not to speak while sitting. "You are aware of the House proceedings."
Rahul said, "You have given me permission to speak. It is a very important issue related to national security. Sir, I don't understand why the PM and the Home Minister have left the House on this issue."
Presiding Officer: "If you want to speak, speak on the President's address. Why are you speaking on something that hasn't been published? There are no facts. There is no evidence."
Rijiju: "Look, just now Rahul Gandhi said that the Home Minister has left. How can you use a word like 'running away'? This is very wrong. We are sitting here to listen to you."
Rahul: "Is 'running away' an unparliamentary word?"
Jagdambika: "You are the Leader of the Opposition, and you are not listening to the Chair. I am allowing you to speak, don't you have any respect for the Chair? Who will give you permission to speak like this? Rahul ji, you will speak, otherwise I will call Akhilesh Yadav to speak."
Jagdambika reprimanded Venugopal for speaking while sitting.
The House proceedings resumed.
Jagdambika Pal took the Chair in place of Speaker Om Birla. Upon his arrival, the opposition created a ruckus. To this, Jagdambika Pal said, "My arrival has made the atmosphere here pleasant."
Following the uproar, the Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned until 4 PM.
Speaker Om Birla said, "You should speak in the House on matters that are in the national interest."
Kiren Rijiju said, "You are repeatedly saying things that are not authentic. You are belittling the army."
After the uproar, the House proceedings were adjourned until 4 PM. The proceedings lasted only 9 minutes.
Kiren Rijiju said, "Rahul is belittling the country."
Kiren Rijiju asked, "What will you gain by belittling the country? We may have our differences of opinion. But you are saying things that have no source. Who told you where the Chinese tanks are located? Don't say things that will demoralize our army. The PM was also present. We are also sitting here. But you should speak according to the rules."
Rahul Gandhi said, "This matter started in 2020. Four tanks in India..." After this, the uproar started again.
Speaker Birla said, "Speak according to the rules. I have already given my ruling. This will not work."
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