Responding to BJP chief JP Nadda’s remark calling Rahul Gandhi “naive,” Priyanka asserted that the Leader of the Opposition must be allowed to speak freely in Parliament without intimidation or disruption.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, February 5, 2026 — Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the government over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s absence during Lok Sabha proceedings, accusing the ruling party of evading key issues raised by the Opposition.
Responding to Union Minister JP Nadda’s remark in the Rajya Sabha describing Rahul Gandhi as “naive”, Priyanka Gandhi said the Leader of the Opposition must be allowed to speak freely in Parliament.
“Is this any way to speak about anyone? He should be allowed to speak. What are they afraid of — that he might quote from a book, or that the Epstein files will be mentioned, or that questions will be raised about the India–US deal which could harm farmers?” she asked.
The Wayanad MP was referring to social media claims circulating in connection with the Epstein files, which reportedly mention Prime Minister Modi’s official visit to Israel. The government has dismissed these claims as baseless and contemptible.
READ: Manipur: Turmoil, Anger, and the Deafening Silence of the Kuki-Zo SoO Leadership
Her remarks came amid escalating confrontations in Parliament, with repeated disruptions in both Houses following the cancellation of Prime Minister Modi’s scheduled address in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
In the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister JP Nadda accused the Opposition of deliberately stalling proceedings. “You did not allow the House to function. I strongly condemn the allegation that democracy is in danger. Matters should be handled democratically, not by turning the party into a hostage of a naive child,” Nadda said, triggering sharp protests from the Opposition benches.
Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, hit back, accusing the government of suppressing debate and denying Opposition leaders the opportunity to speak.
#WATCH | Delhi | On Union Minister JP Nadda using the term ‘abodh’ in reference to LoP, Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra says, “He should be allowed to speak. Is this a way to talk about anyone? What are they scared of? That he will quote from a book? Or… pic.twitter.com/HZkXtiLxcP
— ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2026
“Parliament includes both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. How can matters of national interest be blocked from discussion? How can you run the House like this?” Kharge asked.
As tensions mounted, Congress members staged a walkout from the Upper House.
The standoff in the Rajya Sabha unfolded against the backdrop of continuing protests in the Lok Sabha, where the Congress has alleged that Rahul Gandhi was prevented from completing his speech during the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address.
On Monday, Gandhi was interrupted while attempting to cite portions of former Army Chief General MM Naravane’s unpublished memoir, which he said raised serious concerns related to national security, leading to strong objections from treasury bench members.
