09 February,2026 04:42 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Rahul Gandhi said the standoff in Parliament began when issues related to General Naravane’s book were raised. Pic/PTI
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Monday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi avoided attending the House to reply to the discussion on the motion of thanks to the President's address because he was "scared" of issues raised by the opposition, particularly those linked to former Army chief General M M Naravane's book, Four Stars of Destiny, reported the PTI.
Rahul Gandhi dismissed claims that opposition members posed a threat to the Prime Minister during proceedings last Thursday. He challenged those making such allegations to file a First Information Report (FIR) against anyone who had allegedly threatened PM Modi.
"There is no question of Congress members attacking the Prime Minister," Rahul Gandhi said, adding that if any such threat existed, legal action should be taken immediately, according to the PTI
The Congress leader further claimed that the government was reluctant to hold a detailed discussion on the Union Budget, fearing scrutiny over a deal with the United States, the manner in which it was finalised, and its potential impact on Indian farmers.
According to Rahul Gandhi, the opposition remains keen on debate but believes the government is deliberately avoiding it.
Rahul Gandhi said the standoff in Parliament began when issues related to General Naravane's book were raised. He alleged that the government repeatedly stalled proceedings to prevent him from speaking on the subject, the news agency reported.
"They first said I could not quote a book, then said I could not quote a magazine, and finally did not allow me to speak at all," he claimed.
Gandhi also accused Defence Minister Rajnath Singh of making a false statement by claiming that the Naravane book was unpublished.
"The book has been published and we have a copy," Rahul Gandhi said.
The Congress leader criticised what he described as unequal standards in parliamentary proceedings, claiming ruling party members were allowed to quote books and make remarks freely, while opposition leaders were restricted, as per the PTI.
He said issues such as the suspension of Congress MPs and allegations that opposition members intended to harm the Prime Minister should be debated openly in Parliament.
(with PTI inputs)
