New Delhi: Congress Members of Parliament staged a protest outside Parliament on Wednesday, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was “compromised,” triggering a brief but heated verbal exchange between Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu.
The protesting MPs gathered near the Parliament complex holding placards that read “PM is compromised,” echoing remarks made earlier by Rahul Gandhi to the media in connection with the India–US trade agreement. The demonstration added to the tense political atmosphere already prevailing during the ongoing Parliament session.
Tensions escalated when Ravneet Singh Bittu walked past the protest site. Rahul Gandhi reportedly pointed towards Bittu and made a sarcastic remark, referring to him as a “traitor friend” and suggesting that he would eventually return to the Congress fold. Gandhi also extended his hand towards the minister in what appeared to be a taunting gesture.
Bittu declined to shake hands and responded sharply, accusing Gandhi of acting against national interests. The two leaders were seen exchanging strong words for a brief period before moving on, drawing significant attention from fellow lawmakers and onlookers.
The protest and confrontation came amid heightened unrest in Parliament following the suspension of eight opposition MPs for the remainder of the session. Those suspended include Gurjeet Singh Aujla, Hibi Eden, Dean Kuriakose, Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, B Manickam Tagore, Dr Prashant Yadaorao Padole, Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy, and S Venkatesan.
Political tensions are expected to remain high as debates over the trade deal and parliamentary suspensions continue.
