Rahul Gandhi's Jibe Sparks Fiery Banter with Speaker Pal in Lok Sabha

Speaker Pal Reminds Gandhi: Stick to Budget, Not Controversies

When Gandhi attempted to question the government about reports calling out Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other ministers in documents it said had been found to be linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Pal reminded him to keep his comments to issues regarding the Budget.
The banter quickly became serious, Pal reminding Gandhi of parliamentary decorum in the middle of the session. Pal was presiding there but Speaker Om Birla declined to take the Chair until the notice from the opposition demanding his removal has been disposed of by the House.

Pal Fires: "You Ignored My Advice, Now in Opposition"

During the debate, as Rahul Gandhi referred to Pal’s past connection to the Congress, the BJP leader hit back saying that if the Congress MP had followed his advice he would not have been in the opposition.
Gandhi said, “You are an ex-Congress party member, so I’ll do you a special favour today — I will back down. We like you, sir. We know your heart is not there, your heart is here.”
“I am here as a Presiding Officer,” Pal replied. “If you are sitting there, it is because you did not take my advice earlier. I am advising you again — you still have time to move on the right track” he added.

Gandhi Alleges Modi Govt Surrendered to US Pressure

Jagdambika Pal, now a BJP candidate, in 2014 left the party after resigning from the Congress and joining the BJP in 2014, accusing the government of not leaving space for senior voices, due to differences between him and the party leadership.
The dialogue hinged on Gandhi’s address to the House on the Union Budget, where he severely attacked the government’s economic and strategic measures.
Rahul Gandhi alleged that the government “surrendered” to the US pressure. He then issued a string of sensational allegations which drew fierce reaction from the government's side and the Chair that again reminded him what the House rules are just as the House erupted into ruckus.

Rijiju Slams Rahul, Announces Privilege Notice Against Him

Rijiju said at a press conference later the government would file a privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi in response to the charges that he had misled the house and had come forward with unfounded allegations.
Rijiju said, “Rahul Gandhi deliberately does this repeatedly after his speech, which normally is full of lies and allegations, he runs away, and he never sits to listen to the reply of the minister. It is very unfortunate that we don’t have a very serious nature or a person with a serious character befitting the position of the leader of the opposition. Our party has taken a stand that we will counter Rahul Gandhi’s lies outside, but inside the House, a notice will be issued.”