Centre Slams Rahul Gandhi for ‘Irresponsible’ and ‘False’ Claims in Lok Sabha

New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi’s inaugural speech as Opposition Leader in the Lok Sabha has sparked a heated controversy, drawing fierce criticism from the ruling BJP government. The Congress MP’s remarks on the Agnipath scheme and Hindu society prompted immediate and forceful rebuttals from senior BJP ministers.

The row was started by Gandhi’s characterisation of the Agnipath scheme. He described Agniveers as “use and throw labour” and claimed the program creates a divide among soldiers. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw quickly countered these assertions, accusing Gandhi of making false statements about compensation for martyrs under the scheme.

The controversy deepened when BJP leaders accused Gandhi of calling Hindus “violent and untruthful.” Vaishnaw expressed deep disappointment over what he termed an insult to Hindu society, suggesting that such remarks lowered the dignity of the Opposition Leader’s position.

Further fueling the debate, Vaishnaw criticised Gandhi’s use of religious imagery during the parliamentary discussion, deeming it inappropriate for the Leader of Opposition.

In response to the escalating tensions, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju called for new guidelines on unverified statements made by MPs. He requested the Speaker to issue directives ensuring accountability and allowing for corrective measures when inaccurate information is presented.