Rahul Gandhi Says PM Modi ‘Scared’ to Face Parliament Over Galwan Clash Remarks

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Monday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of avoiding Parliament, claiming the government adjourned the Lok Sabha to stop him from raising questions linked to the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. Gandhi dismissed allegations that opposition MPs had threatened the Prime Minister, calling such claims "completely false."

Addressing reporters inside the Parliament complex, Gandhi said the Prime Minister was unwilling to face questions arising from former Army chief General M.M. Naravane's memoir, which he claimed contradicts the government's narrative. He alleged that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had misled the House on the issue.

"The Prime Minister is scared to come to the House-not because of MPs, but because he cannot face the truth," Gandhi said. "Naravane's book is published. I have a copy. The Defence Minister has lied."

Responding to claims of threats against the Prime Minister, Gandhi challenged the government to act. "If anyone has said they will attack the Prime Minister, file an FIR and arrest them immediately. Why hasn't that happened?" he asked.

Gandhi also criticised the suspension of opposition MPs, arguing that the government was deliberately shutting down Parliament to silence dissent. He said the opposition was fully prepared for debate, provided the government allowed fair discussion.

The Congress leader further claimed the government was avoiding a debate on the Union Budget 2026-27, fearing scrutiny over a recent trade deal with the United States. According to Gandhi, the agreement's impact on Indian farmers would come under sharp focus if Parliament were allowed to function normally.

Earlier in the day, the Lok Sabha was adjourned till Tuesday amid a standoff between the government and the opposition. The opposition insisted that Gandhi be allowed to speak before the budget discussion.

During the proceedings, presiding officer Sandhya Ray said she was unaware of any agreement permitting Gandhi to speak, contradicting his assertion that an understanding had been reached with Speaker Om Birla. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also denied the existence of any such agreement.

Later, Gandhi met Speaker Om Birla to convey his concerns, including the suspension of Congress MPs and other parliamentary issues. With neither side backing down, the deadlock in Parliament remains unresolved.