The tradition of Congress and BJP being at logger heads seems to carry on since ages. Now in the 18th Lok Sabha this trend was witnessed quite apparently. The first special session of the 18th Lok Sabha provided many insights into future politics. The government’s and opposition’s firm stances made it clear that neither side intends to back down. It seemed like a showdown between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi. Prime Minister Modi made decisions independently, disregarding the strong opposition, and specifically targeted the Congress party.
Prime Minister picked on Rahul Gandhi and the Gandhi family in both the houses. But Rahul Gandhi also came down harsh on him and as the leader of the opposition for the first time, launched scathing attacks on the PM. He did not care about the fact that the leader of the house and Prime Minister Modi should be allowed to speak. The strategy adopted by Rahul Gandhi during PM Modi’s speech was not in accordance with the dignity of the post in any way.
In this tug of war both the leaders kept pointing fingers at each other. Moreover, this conflict between the opposition and the government appeared to be personal rather than issue-based.
The way Rahul Gandhi conducted himself exhibits that in the beginning, the opposition is showing unity against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Rahul Gandhi leading the charge. However, it remains to be seen if this unity will hold over the next five years. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi, sensing the opposition’s stance, personally took charge and directed criticism towards the Gandhi family in both houses of Parliament. Rahul Gandhi initiated the confrontation with his speech in the Lok Sabha, prompting PM Modi to respond similarly in both houses.
From the attitude of the Congress, it seems that it is in full election mood right now. Because in both the houses, the Congress behaved exactly in the same way as if it has to go to the elections after this session. Whatever allegations the Congress made against the government, it did not seem to be in the mood to work at all in the Parliament. The opposition also supported it fully in the uproar. On the first day of the 18th Lok Sabha, it was clear from the attitude of the opposition that it would not allow any work to be done in the Parliament.
Congress initially used the Constitution as a tool to confront the government, but this strategy backfired when Prime Minister Modi and BJP raised old constitutional issues. During the President’s address, Congress faced direct criticism over the Emergency. As discussions unfolded in both houses, the focus shifted away from constitutional matters to debates about Bhimrao Ambedkar. BJP accused Congress of electoral defeats and neglect, while Congress countered with criticism over remarks in a Sangh mouthpiece. In the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi’s attempt to disrupt PM Modi’s speech was controversial, while in the Rajya Sabha, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge walked out following an attack on Sonia Gandhi, citing misrepresentation and falsehoods about Ambedkar. The ongoing session is marked by a clash over truth and falsehoods, exemplified by Rahul Gandhi’s video accusing the government of deceit regarding the Agniveer Yojana, which later proved to be inaccurate when it was revealed that the martyr’s family had received compensation. This battle over truth and lies is likely to extend into the Budget Session.