Lok Sabha Disrupted After Rijiju Slams Congress Over ‘Shameful’ Slogans Against PM Modi; Demands Apology

Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Monday demanded an apology from Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge after slogans allegedly targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi were raised during the party's mega 'vote chori' rally in Delhi on Sunday.

Raising the issue in the Lok Sabha, Rijiju termed the incident "extremely shameful", pointing out that the slogans were shouted despite the presence of senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The remarks triggered sharp exchanges in the House, leading Speaker Om Birla to adjourn the proceedings amid continued disruptions.

Emphasising the need for decorum in political discourse, Rijiju said rival parties were not enemies. He cited a past instance from 2014 when a BJP MP had made an objectionable comment against the opposition and was immediately asked by Prime Minister Modi to apologise.

Referring to the slogans raised at the Congress rally, Rijiju said calls were made to "dig the grave" of the Prime Minister, which he described as deeply disappointing. "The Prime Minister represents 140 crore Indians on the global stage. Such language is unacceptable," he said.

Rijiju added that Prime Minister Modi is among the most popular leaders in the world and asserted that the Congress leadership must issue an immediate apology for the incident.