NEW DELHI,12 Feb 2026 : Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday shared another video of the confrontation in the Lok Sabha last week, after the opposition protested Speaker Om Birla’s decision to stop Congress MP Rahul Gandhi reading excerpts from ex-Army chief General MM Naravane’s book.
The political row in Parliament has intensified after Union Minister Kiren Rijiju released what he called the clearest video evidence yet showing Congress MPs occupying the area designated for the Prime Minister’s seating in the Lok Sabha. The BJP has alleged the disruption was pre-planned and meant to prevent Prime Minister Narendra Modi from entering the House to deliver his speech.
A detailed rebuttal has been presented countering Rahul Gandhi’s claims on the India-US interim trade deal and the Union Budget. The response challenges his allegations on energy security, tariff hikes, data localisation, digital services tax, and a supposed $500 billion import obligation to the US.
The government’s position maintains that India’s energy policy remains guided by strategic autonomy, with Russian crude imports having risen despite global pressure. It also clarifies that the 18% tariff figure is part of an interim framework, not a blanket hike, and that most exports may benefit from lower or zero tariffs. Claims about India being legally bound to purchase $500 billion worth of US goods are described as based on outdated documents, with current language reflecting intent rather than obligation.
On data and digital taxation, officials argue that expanded domestic data centre incentives strengthen localisation, while digital tax rules remain under negotiation with no final decision taken. The rebuttal frames Rahul Gandhi’s remarks as politically charged but factually contestable.
Picture credit social media
