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Union minister Kiren Rijiju said the press should never be discouraged from asking questions, and that his party never sought to silence the press even while serving in opposition
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju speaks in the Lok Sabha during the Budget session of Parliament. (Image: Sansad TV/PTI)
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju heavily criticised leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s outburst against the media.
In a stinging rebuke, Rijiju accused Gandhi of lashing out at the press to get out of answering tough questions. He said the press should never be discouraged from asking questions, and that his party never sought to silence the press even while serving in the opposition.
“He must have said all this because he doesn’t want to answer the media,” Rijiju said, questioning who would be left to hold leaders accountable if the press is routinely scolded and interrupted.
His remarks come after Gandhi criticised the media for allegedly following directives from the BJP, a practice he described as a “disservice to the country”.
The Congress leader was asked questions about a potential notice against him, which the ruling side wants to move to disqualify him from the Lok Sabha. The BJP-led government has accused him and other Congress MPs of misconduct inside the Lok Sabha Speaker’s private chambers.
Rijiju said there is a video – allegedly filmed illegally by a Congress member – that shows 20 to 25 opposition MPs entering Speaker Om Birla’s chamber. He alleged that they used foul language against the Speaker and even issued threats against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the presence of senior Congress leaders like Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and KC Venugopal.
He, however, said while Priyanka Gandhi and Venugopal did not personally use abusive words, their presence during the incident was a matter of record.
“What will they do once the video comes out?” he asked.
Priyanka firmly rejected these allegations, saying she was quiet during the meeting and only spoke “peacefully” at the end. She denied claims that she encouraged the MPs, though she admitted that one or two members were “agitated” and expressed their feelings.
Rijiju has further warned that Gandhi faces potential formal disciplinary action if he continues to disregard parliamentary proceedings. He said he has consulted with several Congress MPs, urging them to explain the House rules to their leader to help him “escape notices”.
“I have asked many Congress MPs to make Rahul Gandhi understand that notices can be moved against him if he speaks in contravention of the rules,” he said, adding that his party believes in debate and discussion rather than physical or verbal threats.
(With agency inputs)
February 12, 2026, 19:29 IST
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