BJP seeks suspension of Rahul Gandhi from Lok Sabha over 'democracy under threat' remarks

New Delhi: Turning up the heat on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks in the UK on Indian democracy, the ruling BJP has initiated moves to suspend him from Lok Sabha if he does not apologise in the House.

The party has already approached Speaker Om Birla, seeking to form a special committee to explore the possibility of suspending the Wayanad MP from the House. BJP sources said the matter is “not just a privilege issue, it’s much beyond that”.

The Delhi Police, meanwhile, has issued notice to Rahul Gandhi, seeking information on the sexual assault victims that he mentioned during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Kashmir in January. An officer said police have taken cognizance of his public address and social media posts on his remarks and want to take legal action against the offenders.

Hoping for House action against him, the BJP, sources said, has approached the Speaker to constitute a special committee on the lines of the panel constituted to look into the cash-for-query scandal in 2005. A special committee, led by Congress leader Pawan Kumar Bansal, probed the charges



against 10 Lok Sabha MPs and held that their continuance was “untenable” – it led to their expulsion.

If a special committee is formed, the BJP will have a majority in it given its strength in Lok Sabha. A special committee usually submits its report in a month

The BJP treats the issue over Rahul Gandhi as very serious and it’s beyond a privilege issue. So we want it to be treated seriously,” a senior party leader said. Speaking to reporters Thursday, Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju also said the matter is “beyond privilege” and the party will seek to use “all available instruments, rules and conventions”.

“Anything related to the nation is a matter of concern for all. We do not care what’s happening to the Congress or its leadership. But if he insults the nation, we cannot keep quiet,” he said.

“The language of anti-India forces is the same. They speak on the same lines. A similar language has been used by Rahul Gandhi. It’s the language of all those who work against India,” Rijiju said.