Chaos in Parliament: Why Nishikant Dubey’s Book References Have Sparked a New Row

The Budget Session of Parliament is rarely quiet, but Wednesday saw a different level of tension. What started as a regular discussion quickly turned into a heated confrontation after BJP MP Nishikant Dubey pulled out a set of books to launch a direct attack on the Nehru-Gandhi family.

The atmosphere in the Lok Sabha shifted when Dubey began quoting from various publications to question the legacy of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and his descendants. He didn’t just speak; he brandished the books, claiming they contained "documented truths" about the family’s history that the opposition would rather keep hidden.

The Trigger: Books and Allegations

Nishikant Dubey’s speech centered on the idea that while the opposition often talks about "unprinted" or suppressed narratives, there are already published works that paint a controversial picture of the Congress leadership.

He specifically mentioned titles like Edwina and Nehru and memoirs by M.O. Mathai (Nehru’s former personal secretary), using them to level personal and political allegations. Despite the Chair’s intervention—reminding him of the rules against displaying books or making unsubstantiated personal remarks—Dubey continued his critique, leading to an uproar from the opposition benches.

Priyanka Gandhi’s Sharp Rebuttal

The reaction from the Congress camp was swift. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, speaking to reporters outside the House, didn't hold back. Her main grievance? A perceived double standard in how the session was being moderated.

"When the government wants to disrupt the House, they put Nishikant Dubey forward," she remarked. She pointed out a striking contrast: while Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was recently stopped from quoting a published book, Dubey was allowed to wave six books around without his microphone being cut off.

According to Priyanka, this isn't just about a heated debate—it's about a "distraction tactic." She claimed the government is trying to steer the public's attention away from pressing issues, such as the border situation with China and the recent revelations in former Army Chief General Naravane’s book.

A Clash of Narratives

The session eventually had to be adjourned as members from both sides reached a breaking point. For the BJP, this is about "exposing history," while for the Congress, it’s a "disrespect to democracy" and an attempt to silence the voice of the millions who voted for the opposition.

As the political dust settles, one thing is clear: the battle over India’s past is being fought just as fiercely as the battle for its future.

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