Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday released a video and launched a sharp attack on the Congress, accusing its women MPs of creating chaos inside the Lok Sabha on February 4 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to reply to the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address.

Addressing reporters, Rijiju said BJP and NDA MPs were deeply upset by what he described as unprecedented conduct. He alleged that Congress women MPs climbed onto benches, crossed over to the Treasury side and moved close to the Prime Minister’s seat, forcing BJP MPs to restrain themselves to avoid escalation.

“Congress Party is proud of the most degrading behavior by their MPs !! If we had not stopped all BJP MPs and allowed the Women MPs to confront Cong. MPs, it would have led to very ugly scene. We have very high consideration, to protect the dignity & sanctity of the Parliament,” Rijiju said, adding that the party chose dignity over confrontation despite having greater numbers in the House.

 

The minister claimed the video he shared shows Congress MPs holding banners and placards near the Prime Minister’s designated seat, following which Modi’s scheduled address was cancelled. “Congress has no relation with the Parliamentary traditions and upholding its dignity. Above all, they are celebrating it on their social media handles, stating that their women MPs 'scared' the PM away. How shameful it is for the party to say that?” he said.

Congress rejects charges

The Congress, however, strongly denied the allegations. On Monday, women MPs from the party wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, objecting to what they called “grave and baseless” claims that they had threatened or attempted to obstruct the Prime Minister. The party also accused the BJP of using the controversy to deflect attention and claimed Modi was “too scared to speak” in the House — a charge the ruling party dismissed.

Rijiju went further, alleging the protest was planned by Rahul Gandhi and the Congress leadership, and that women MPs were deliberately sent forward to disrupt proceedings. “How will the Parliament proceed by sending the parliamentarians forward for a free boxing? Is this how the Parliament will work? Does Congress have any rules? I never imagined that Congress would stoop so low.” he added.

The controversy escalated after Speaker Birla revealed that he had received inputs suggesting opposition MPs could do “something unexpected,” prompting him to adjourn the House to avoid what he described as unpleasant scenes in the house.