Amid the familiar din of parliamentary chaos on Tuesday, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju sharply interjected during an address by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, escalating the political temperature with a pointed
defence of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The tense exchange occurred during a debate that had already been marred by disruptions, bringing the deep ideological chasm between the ruling and opposition parties into sharp focus.
The commotion began when Rahul Gandhi, during his speech, made a critical reference to the RSS, linking the organisation to certain current political dynamics in the country. Before the Congress leader could elaborate, Rijiju swiftly rose to object, asserting that the RSS is a highly disciplined and patriotic organisation dedicated to nation-building and social service.
Rijiju specifically demanded that Gandhi refrain from making what he termed “baseless and politically motivated” statements against the non-political, socio-cultural body. The minister emphasised that the RSS is an institution with deep roots across the country and a long history of charitable work, arguing that dragging its name into political mudslinging was both unfair and disrespectful to its millions of dedicated workers.
The minister’s interjection succeeded in drawing cheers from the treasury benches but provoked an immediate counter-reaction from the Congress members, leading to loud protests and further stalling the proceedings. While Rahul Gandhi attempted to continue his point, the resultant uproar ensured that the debate descended into further disruption, with the presiding officer struggling to regain control of the House.
