The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress on Thursday engaged war of words in and out of Parliament over findings of a media report which had alleged links with a US based multi-billionaire regarding which the ruling party alleged that Opposition used baseless reports to tarnish the image of India.
Parliament witnessed uproarious scenes and adjournments after treasury benches alleged Congress led Opposition tried to derail proceedings following the reports which the Opposition vehemently denied.
BJP said the Congress had sought to derail Parliament on various issues published by OCCRP, including the Pegasus spying row, questioning the efficacy of vaccines against COVID-19 developed in India and the Hindenburg reports.
While BJP claimed a link between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and international forces, including an investigative media platform, trying to destabilise India and that the Congress leader was a "traitor of the highest order", Congress wrote to LokS abha Speaker Om Birla Birla alleging BJP’s conduct was a "clear violation" of the decorum and ethics expected of a Member of Parliament.
Rajya Sabha saw uproarious scenes when BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi alleged attacks by foreign forces on India's national interests and demanded a thorough probe besides asking all MPs to discuss the serious issue.
He cited examples of the Hindenburg report, Covid vaccine report and one on Indian farmers, a BBC documentary, Pegasus issue and a video on violence against women in Manipur during the past three years. He also cited the recent report on the indictment of an Indian business house by a US attorney just ahead of the Winter Session.
He also quoted a recent report by a French publication that certain foreign powers are funding the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) which also focusses on India and has association with billionaire investor George Soros.
Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned twice over BJP member Nishikant Dubey's remarks targeting Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and seeking to link him to a US-based multi-billionaire. Congress members strongly objected to Dubey's remarks leading to uproar in the House.
At a Press conference BJP MPs K Laxman and Sambit Patra cited a report published by French media outlet "Mediapart" to target Gandhi, after the ruling party raised the issue in the Lok Sabha.
On their part, Congress MP Manickam Tagore wrote to Birla expressing deep concern over BJP's Sambit Patra allegedly using "slanderous language" against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi at a media interaction, and sought stringent action against the ruling party leader.
"Such behaviour not only tarnishes the image of Parliament but also insults the dignity of a high constitutional office. As a custodian of Parliament, I urge you to take immediate and stringent action against Sambit Patra," the Congress MP from Tamil Nadu's Virudhunagar and the party's whip in the Lok Sabha said.
Patra's conduct was a clear violation of the decorum and ethics expected of a member of Parliament, he added. "I trust that you will address this matter with the seriousness it deserves and take appropriate steps to uphold the dignity and integrity of our parliamentary system," Tagore said.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rjiju said the behaviour of the opposition was not acceptable. "They (opposition) came into Parliament wearing colourful clothes, and outside Parliament, they have started a fashion show wearing those colourful clothes. This lowers the dignity of Parliament, and I condemn it. Such disruptions will achieve nothing; it won't fetch votes," Rijiju said.