Rahul Gandhi Interrupts Ministers’ Media Briefing in Parliament; Political Sparring Intensifies
An unusual and politically charged moment unfolded in the Parliament complex on Wednesday when Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi walked up to Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and Ashwini Vaishnaw while they were addressing the media regarding remarks he had made earlier in the Lok Sabha.
The two ministers were briefing reporters and criticizing Gandhi’s claims—particularly those related to the India–US trade understanding and other geopolitical issues—stating that the allegations were “unsubstantiated” and should have been backed by verified facts.
Rahul – PM पर किसीने GRIP ले रखी है और Choke लगा रखा है। https://t.co/n12TkTakBo
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During the interaction, Rahul Gandhi approached the ministers and said, “Come, let’s do it together,” attempting to join the media conversation. Visuals from the scene show Gandhi trying to engage directly, even reaching toward one of the ministers as he invited them to address the matter collectively. The ministers, however, chose to disengage and walked away from the spot, abruptly ending their media briefing.
As the ministers exited, reporters redirected their questions to Gandhi, who reiterated his earlier claims made in Parliament. He maintained that he possessed data supporting his assertions and repeated allegations suggesting external pressure influencing key policy decisions.
“I have the data… There is direct pressure… Without pressure, no Prime Minister would take such steps in a normal situation,” Gandhi told reporters, adding that the leadership appeared to be in a “chokehold,” a metaphor he had used earlier during his Lok Sabha speech.
Political Reactions Follow Swiftly
The incident quickly sparked reactions from leaders across party lines. Congress representatives described the ministers’ exit as an attempt to avoid direct questioning, with several party members sharing videos of the moment on social media and claiming it reflected discomfort in addressing Gandhi face-to-face.
On the other hand, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders strongly rejected Gandhi’s allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed the accusations, asserting that no one could “sell the nation” and emphasizing that the government remains committed to national interest. He described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as one of the strongest leaders the country has seen.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also criticized Gandhi’s remarks, characterizing them as exaggerated and lacking credibility. He remarked that such statements carried “elements of buffoonery,” underscoring the government’s view that the allegations were not grounded in facts.
Heated Budget Session Backdrop
The confrontation comes amid an already intense Budget Session of Parliament, where debates over economic policy, trade engagements, agriculture concerns, and national security have sharpened political divides between the ruling NDA and the opposition bloc.
Earlier in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi had used a mixed martial arts analogy to argue that India’s negotiating position internationally appeared constrained. The ruling party, however, countered that India’s global engagements are driven by strategic and economic priorities, not external coercion.
A Moment Reflecting Larger Political Contest
While brief, Wednesday’s encounter symbolized the increasingly direct and visual nature of political communication in India—where parliamentary speeches, media exchanges, and social media amplification combine to shape public perception in real time.
As both sides continue to trade charges, the episode adds another flashpoint to an already combative session, with further debates expected as discussions on the Union Budget and foreign policy continue in the coming days.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Bharatiya News staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
