How Kiren Rijiju Takes on Rahul Gandhi

August 20, 2026

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has said that if Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, had wanted, the Opposition MPs would not have resorted to creating a ruckus in Parliament during the recently concluded Monsoon Session. In an exclusive interview, Rijiju also mentioned that Home Minister Amit Shah used to remain present on the Parliament premises during the Monsoon Session; however, due to the Opposition’s sloganeering and ruckus, he did not attend the proceedings. Following are the excerpts from the interview: Question: The Opposition MPs resorted to creating chaos during the Monsoon Session of the Parliament, even after several assurances by the government about a discussion on the issue they were demanding. How do you view this? Have you talked to LoP Rahul Gandhi about this? Kiren Rijiju: I have met Rahul Gandhi and also spoken to him on the phone. I respect him a lot because he is the Leader of the Opposition and a senior leader. However, our efforts towards smooth functioning of the Parliament were not successful. Everyone knows that if Rahul Gandhi wanted, the Congress MPs would not resort to abuses, sloganeering, and ruckus during the House proceedings. Rahul Gandhi is the only leader in the Congress who can correct the behaviour of his MPs. Question: PM Modi warned against ‘dimagi Naxals’. What is your take on this? Kiren Rijiju: Everyone knows that those who take up arms against the country and the Constitution have been almost eliminated. But those with the same ideology remain in cities, institutions, and other places. When any jawan from the Army, CRPF, ITBP, BSF, SSB, NSG, or CISF falls victim to Naxals, these Maoist-minded people celebrate. This is known to everyone. There should be no confusion about this. Question: A privilege notice has been issued against Rahul Gandhi regarding unparliamentary remarks made against HM Shah. Could his Lok Sabha membership be in jeopardy? Kiren Rijiju: Everyone ought to respect established rules and procedures. If someone acts against the rules or violates them, a privilege notice is issued to them. All of this takes place in accordance with the rules. Question: You also meet with other parties in the INDIA bloc. What do their leaders think about Rahul Gandhi? Is Rahul Gandhi derailing the Opposition’s agenda? Kiren Rijiju: The Opposition is currently somewhat fragmented and lacks confidence. When they fail to win elections, they vent their frustration in Parliament. Question: Why do you think Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi objects to the full rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’? What is your take on this? Kiren Rijiju: There is now a law regarding ‘Vande Mataram’. It is not the anthem of any specific party or religion; it is the National Song. Everyone should sing ‘Vande Mataram’, and every Indian should respect it. The national song’s importance should not be a topic of debate and discussion. Every Indian should respectfully recite ‘Vande Mataram’ to honour the nation. Question: During the Monsoon Session, the Opposition claimed that Home Minister Amit Shah was absent during the proceedings. What do you have to say about this? Kiren Rijiju: The Home Minister used to come to Parliament (during the Monsoon Session) and remain there from morning till evening. He cannot really go amid the ruckus, can he? They (the Opposition) are just resorting to spreading rumours. Question: What is your opinion on the Delimitation Bill? Could a special session be convened for it? Kiren Rijiju: The government wants to engage with the Congress. If there is a shift in the Congress’s stance and something positive emerges, the matter will be considered further. Question:: Do you think BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s statements regarding the Congress party and former Prime Minister late Indira Gandhi fall under the category of freedom of expression? Kiren Rijiju: I cannot offer an explanation regarding a personal remark. Question: What do you think about Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijit Dipke? Kiren Rijiju: Everyone knows that Abhijit Dipke is an Aam Aadmi Party worker. Having lost politically, the AAP is now resorting to such tactics. PM Modi certainly listens to the concerns of students, but the issue should not be politicised.