Expungement over Privilege: Govt’s Strategy on Rahul Gandhi’s Explosive Speech

In a tactical shift during the ongoing Budget Session, the central government has reportedly decided not to move a privilege motion against Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi. Instead, the Treasury benches are pushing for the wholesale expungement of large portions of his February 11 speech, arguing that his allegations—ranging from the “selling of Bharat Mata” to links between Indian ministers and the Epstein files—remain unauthenticated.

While the formal privilege route (which requires a breach of specific House rights) is being bypassed by the government, the political battle has escalated with a separate, more severe move from the BJP backbenches.

Nishikant Dubey’s ‘Substantive Motion’

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has submitted a notice for a Substantive Motion—a self-contained proposal that, if admitted, leads to a mandatory vote.

• The Demand: Dubey has sought the cancellation of Gandhi’s Lok Sabha membership and a lifetime ban on him contesting elections.
• The Allegations: The notice accuses Gandhi of “colluding with anti-India forces” during trips to Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, specifically naming organizations like the Soros Foundation, USAID, and the Ford Foundation.
• Institutional Attacks: Dubey alleged Gandhi used Parliament to “foment public sentiments” against the Supreme Court and the Election Commission.

Rahul Gandhi vs. The Media: “Code Word” Row

Outside Parliament on Thursday, February 12, a visibly agitated Rahul Gandhi lashed out at reporters when questioned about the potential privilege motion.

• The “Code Word” Jibe: Gandhi mocked the media’s line of questioning, asking: “Is that the code word for today? Yesterday it was ‘authenticate’, and today it is ‘privilege motion’.”
• Call for Objectivity: He accused a section of the media of being “employed by the BJP” and urged them to stop running shows based on directives from the ruling party, calling it a “disservice to the country.”

What is Being Expunged?

The Speaker’s office is currently reviewing the transcript of Wednesday’s debate. Likely targets for removal from the permanent record include:

1. The “Epstein” Claims: Allegations linking Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and industrialist Anil Ambani to files from the US Department of Justice.
2. “Selling Bharat Mata”: The fiery charge that the government “sold out” Indian interests through a one-sided trade deal with the US.
3. Naravane Memoir References: Quotes from ex-Army Chief MM Naravane’s unpublished book, which the MoD has not yet cleared for public release.

Privilege Motion vs. Substantive Motion