Rahul Gandhi Cites Speaker’s Assurance to Speak in Lok Sabha; Rijiju Rejects Claim, Opposition Mulls No-Confidence Motion.

The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day and is scheduled to reconvene on February 10 following repeated disruptions by Opposition MPs demanding a discussion on the India–US interim trade deal framework.

The House had assembled at 11 am on Monday but was adjourned twice amid uproar. It briefly resumed at 2 pm, only to be adjourned again till Tuesday. The disruptions took place against the backdrop of speculation around a possible no-confidence motion, after Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju rejected Rahul Gandhi’s claim of an assurance from the Chair.

Rahul vs Rijiju

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, said he had received a personal assurance that he would be allowed to raise certain issues on the floor before the budget discussion began. He alleged that the assurance was later withdrawn by the Chair.

“The Speaker personally committed to us that I would be allowed to speak before the budget discussion. Now you are going back on your word. I would like to know whether I will be allowed to raise those points or not,” Gandhi said while addressing MP Sandhya Ray, who was presiding over the proceedings in the absence of Speaker Om Birla.