On February 13, 2026, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju clarified that the central government will not be bringing a formal motion against Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha.
The decision comes after a week of intense friction in Parliament following Gandhi’s remarks on the Union Budget and the India-US trade deal.
Rijiju explained that the government decided to shelve its own motion because BJP MP Nishikant Dubey had already submitted a notice for a “Substantive Motion” against Gandhi on the same grounds.
The Rule of Redundancy: Since a private member’s notice for a substantive motion is already on the table, parliamentary tradition suggests the government need not move a separate, parallel motion.
Consultation with the Speaker: Rijiju stated that the government will now consult Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to determine if the matter based on Dubey’s notice should be sent to the Privileges Committeethe Ethics Committeeor taken up for direct discussion in the House.
The controversy stemmed from two major incidents during the Budget Session:
Unauthenticated Claims: Gandhi alleged during his speech that the government had “sold the country and its farmers” through a trade deal. He also referenced an unpublished memoir by former Army Chief Gen. M.M. Naravane, which the government claimed violated House rules regarding unauthenticated documents.
Conduct in Speaker’s Chamber: Rijiju alleged that 20–25 Congress MPs, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, entered the Speaker’s chamber and used “objectionable language” against him and the Prime Minister.
Unlike a regular privilege motion, a substantive motion is a self-contained proposal. Dubey’s notice reportedly demands:
Cancellation of Membership: Seeking to disqualify Rahul Gandhi from the Lok Sabha.
Life Ban: Proposing a ban on Gandhi from contesting future elections, alleging “unethical conduct” and “collusion with anti-India elements” during foreign trips.
Following these developments, the first phase of the Budget Session concluded on February 13, 2026. Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have been adjourned and will reconvene on March 9, 2026.
Read More: Motion Shelved Why Kiren Rijiju Says the Govt Won’t Act Against Rahul Gandhi Directly
