In a symbolic act of protest, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, handed a rose and a Tricolour to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Parliament on today. This gesture was part of the ongoing opposition demonstration, accusing the government of evading a discussion on the Adani bribery case.
The Congress party continued its distinctive protest style, using various props such as jackets, masks, bags, and now roses and Tricolours, to highlight their concerns. As Rajnath Singh arrived at the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi approached him and handed him the rose and flag, signaling the importance of the nation over partisan interests.
“We are waiting for our BJP friends. We wanted to give them a card with the Indian flag and a rose to emphasize that the nation comes first,” said Congress MP Manickam Tagore. Leaders from the INDIA bloc also participated, holding roses and Tricolours at the Parliament entrance.
The protest focused on allegations that the central government was avoiding discussions on the bribery charges against industrialist Adani in the United States. Since the start of the winter session on November 20, both Houses of Parliament have seen repeated disruptions over this issue.
While Congress is demanding a debate on the Adani matter, the BJP has responded by accusing Sonia Gandhi and Congress of having links to billionaire philanthropist George Soros. The BJP claims that Congress is connected to organizations funded by Soros, which allegedly supported the idea of separating Kashmir from India.
The Adani controversy gained further momentum after US prosecutors charged him and his associates with paying over $250 million in bribes to Indian officials between 2020 and 2024 to secure solar energy contracts.
In addition to the Adani issue, the opposition also moved a motion in the Rajya Sabha seeking the removal of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, accusing him of partisanship as Chairman of the Upper House. While the opposition lacks the numbers to pass the motion, they argue that it is crucial for defending parliamentary democracy.
On the same day, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned till noon following heated exchanges between the opposition and treasury benches over the no-confidence motion against Dhankhar.
