The issue has caused continuous disruptions in the Lok Sabha over the past three days, with the Speaker barring Gandhi from quoting portions of the book published in a magazine. The excerpts involved details about India’s military standoffs with China at Doklam and Galwan, matters Gandhi deemed to be in the national interest. The Opposition, however, believes that the refusal reflects an effort by the ruling government to avoid parliamentary scrutiny, with Gandhi asserting that the excerpts hold crucial national significance.
In the Rajya Sabha, Congress leaders expressed their discontent, accusing the government of undermining democracy and preventing effective parliamentary functioning. They further claimed that Rahul Gandhi’s voice was being suppressed, with the Speaker’s refusal seen as a tactic to curb criticism of the government’s handling of critical national issues.
PM Modi's scheduled speech in the Lok Sabha had been cancelled on Wednesday due to the uproar, and the Opposition’s protest continued in the Rajya Sabha. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, speaking earlier, criticized the government for avoiding difficult questions, particularly about national security and the India–US deal, and called for Rahul Gandhi to be given the chance to speak freely. The government, on the other hand, dismissed the Opposition’s claims, especially the allegations concerning Epstein files, labeling them as false and irresponsible.
