Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of employing 'distorted and inaccurate facts' during his Lok Sabha speech concerning Indira Gandhi's handling of the 1971 war with Pakistan. Dubey has formally urged Speaker Om Birla to reprimand the Leader of the Opposition for what he termed 'habitual delinquency.'
In a letter addressed to Speaker Birla, sources indicate that Dubey has requested the issuance of a 'show cause' notice to Gandhi for his "questionable utterances." The BJP MP has also sought the Speaker's permission to raise this significant issue on the floor of the House.
The controversy stems from Rahul Gandhi's remarks made on Tuesday during the discussion on "Operation Sindoor." Gandhi had stated that if Prime Minister Narendra Modi possessed even "50 per cent of the courage that Indira Gandhi had shown during the war with Pakistan," he would unequivocally declare in Parliament that US President Donald Trump's claims of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan were false. Furthermore, Gandhi had asserted that his grandmother, Indira Gandhi, had granted "complete operational freedom to the armed forces," implying a contrast with the Modi government, which he claimed had "tied their hands behind their back."
Nishikant Dubey, in a sharp retort, countered Gandhi's claims by citing a letter dated December 5, 1971, written by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to US President Richard Nixon. Dubey alleged that through this letter, Indira Gandhi had "literally begged before him to use his influence to stop the war with Pakistan." To substantiate his claim, the BJP MP annexed a copy of this letter with his submission to the Speaker.
Dubey further alleged that Rahul Gandhi has "once again unabashedly betrayed the public trust by twisting the well-documented historical facts," a practice he described as Gandhi's "habit" aimed at "glorify[ing] his family and declining party."
According to Dubey, the Congress leader had sought to convey that Indira Gandhi "gallantly fought the war despite diplomatic, political and various other strategic pressures from the United States, leading to the creation of Bangladesh." He added that Gandhi "did not stop here and cunningly related this with Operation Sindoor and delivered a sermon to the present government," thereby attempting to draw parallels to current foreign policy challenges.
Charging Rahul Gandhi with becoming an "avatar of rumour-mongering and recalcitrant behaviour," Dubey accused him of speaking "incessant lies" and "distorting historical facts" not only within the precincts of the House but also before various courts of law.
Expressing grave concern, Dubey stated, "It is a matter of serious concern for our House and also for our vibrant democracy that Rahul Gandhi has lowered the dignity of the coveted post of the Leader of Opposition by way of putting up distorted and inaccurate facts." He concluded that this constituted a "straight case of violation of the Lok Sabha Speaker's directions" and reiterated that Rahul Gandhi has an "uncanny habit of making propaganda and false claims" even in Parliament.
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The letter cited by Dubey, from Indira Gandhi to Richard Nixon on December 5, 1971, contained the following excerpts: "I should stress to your Excellency that the people and the Government of India are determined that this wanton and unprovoked aggression should be decisively and finally repelled once and for all; the whole of India stands united in this resolve and expects that the international community well appreciate our predicament and acknowledge the righteousness of our cause."
She further wrote, "In this hour of danger the Government and the people of India seek your understanding and urge you to persuade Pakistan to desist forthwith from the policy of wanton aggression and military adventurism which it has unfortunately embarked upon. May I request your Excellency to exercise your undoubted influence with the Government of Pakistan to stop their aggressive activities against India and to deal immediately with the genesis of the problem of East Bengal..."
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