The Winter Session of Parliament witnessed a unique form of protest on Wednesday as Congress MPs distributed roses and the national flag (Tiranga) to NDA MPs, symbolizing their demand for an end to alleged crony capitalism involving the Adani Group. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was seen handing over a Tiranga to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in a widely circulated moment that epitomized the opposition’s ongoing campaign against the BJP-led government.
Congress Protest Intensifies Over Adani Allegations
Carrying placards with slogans such as “Desh ko mat bikne do” (Don’t let the country be sold), Congress MPs protested against what they alleged to be undue favoritism shown to the Adani Group. Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad accused the government of “selling the country” to industrialist Gautam Adani, claiming that the voice of the poor was being suppressed.
The opposition’s protest comes amidst heightened scrutiny over allegations of bribery against the Adani Group, a matter Congress has been vocally demanding be investigated. The party has staged various demonstrations over the past week, including donning masks, carrying bags with caricatures, and wearing T-shirts targeting the alleged Adani-Modi nexus.
Symbolic Gesture Amid Parliamentary Disruptions
In an effort to draw attention to their demands, Congress MPs handed out roses and the Tiranga, urging BJP leaders to focus on national welfare instead of alleged cronyism. Rahul Gandhi gesture of offering a national flag to Rajnath Singh was widely noted, though BJP MP Nishikant Dubey dismissed the act as “childish drama.”
Dubey further criticized Congress for employing “juvenile tactics,” contrasting it with what he described as the dignified behavior of former opposition leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.
Ongoing Tensions: Sonia-Soros and Adani-Modi Allegations
Protests over the Adani controversy have been compounded by allegations from BJP MPs linking the Nehru-Gandhi family to US billionaire George Soros. Congress, in turn, dismissed these claims as baseless, demanding that “defamatory remarks” made by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey be expunged from the record to ensure the smooth functioning of the House.
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, urging action against these remarks and emphasizing the party’s readiness to engage in legislative business, pending the Speaker’s intervention.
Meanwhile, the BJP has doubled down on its charges, alleging that the Nehru-Gandhi family’s ties with Soros extend beyond Sonia Gandhi’s role as co-president of the Forum of Democratic Leaders-Asia Pacific (FDL-AP). The BJP maintains that the opposition’s actions are a diversionary tactic to shift focus from their own shortcomings.
Continuous Disruptions in Parliament
The ongoing confrontation has led to repeated adjournments in both Houses of Parliament. On Wednesday, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day following slogans referencing “Sonia-Soros” and “Adani-Modi” from both treasury and opposition benches. Congress MP KC Venugopal criticized the disruptions, pleading with the Speaker to ensure smooth proceedings.
The Road Ahead
As the political tussle intensifies, the Congress-led opposition seems determined to keep the spotlight on allegations of crony capitalism. However, the BJP remains steadfast in its counterattacks, creating an environment of deadlock in Parliament.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
