BJP's Nishikant Dubey seeks 'privilege proceedings' against Rahul Gandhi for 'lowering the prestige of Republic'

New Delhi: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Tuesday submitted a notice seeking breach of privilege proceedings against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for his remarks during the debate on President’s speech, claiming that he “shamelessly distorted” facts and attempted to “ridicule” and “lowering the prestige” of the Republic.

In his letter to Speaker Om Birla, the BJP MP alleged that Rahul is the “guardian of India Chapter of Foreign Tool Kit aimed at destablising” the country and wanted that the Lok Sabha to “reprimand” him for “blatant lies and vilification campaign” while allowing him to raise the issue in the House. 

Separately, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accused Rahul of making “false allegations” about the Army chief’s statement on the India-China border situation. “The words attributed to the Army Chief…were never spoken by him at any time. It is a matter of deep regret that Rahul Gandhi should indulge in irresponsible politics on matters of national interest,” he said.

Claiming that the Congress leader is using his parliamentary privilege to “spread canards” without authenticating his charges, Dubey said Rahul made many claims, including that mobile phones were not made in India but only assembled here and China has captured the Indian territory.

“While raising these issues, Rahul Gandhi has not only shamelessly distorted the historical and substantive facts but also made an attempt to ridicule our country and lower the prestige of our Republic,” he said adding Birla had asked Gandhi to authenticate his claims but he had not done it yet.

“This erudite person has neither authenticated his gibberish canards nor apologised for using the pious forum of Parliament to defame our country and the elected government,” he said, taking a swipe at Rahul.

Accusing Rahul of “blatantly misusing” Article 105 of the Constitution, which accords privileges to MPs for their comments made in Parliament, Dubey alleged that the Congress was “misusing” the House for  an “utterly false and imaginary notion” that he as an MP has an “inherent right and privilege” to speak whatever he likes in the House.

“The fact remains that Article 105 of the Constitution does not give absolute powers and freedom to any public representatives, especially the ilk of Rahul Gandhi as otherwise there would be anarchy...,” he said.