New Delhi Rajeev Sharma): Political tensions escalated outside Parliament on Wednesday as Congress Members of Parliament staged a protest accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being “compromised,” leading to a brief but sharp verbal confrontation between Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu.
The protesting Congress MPs assembled near the Parliament complex holding placards with the slogan “PM is compromised,” reiterating claims earlier made by Rahul Gandhi while addressing the media over the India–US trade agreement. The protest unfolded amid an already charged atmosphere during the ongoing Parliament session.
The situation intensified when Ravneet Singh Bittu passed by the protest site. Rahul Gandhi was seen gesturing towards the minister and making a sarcastic comment, reportedly calling him a “traitor friend” and remarking that he would eventually return to the Congress party. Gandhi also extended his hand towards Bittu in what appeared to be a taunting move.
Bittu refused to shake hands and hit back strongly, accusing Rahul Gandhi of working against the country’s interests. The exchange of words lasted briefly but drew the attention of several MPs and security personnel present in the area before both leaders moved away.
The protest and the face-off come in the backdrop of rising friction in Parliament following the suspension of eight opposition MPs for the remainder of the session. Those suspended include Gurjeet Singh Aujla, Hibi Eden, Dean Kuriakose, Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, B Manickam Tagore, Dr Prashant Yadaorao Padole, Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy and S Venkatesan.
With disagreements over the trade agreement and the suspensions continuing to dominate proceedings, the political temperature in and around Parliament is expected to remain high in the coming days.
