Congress leader and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi accused the Modi government of stifling his right to speak in the Lok Sabha, sparking a fiery controversy on the first day of the Monsoon Session. Speaking to the media after the House was adjourned for the second time amid opposition protests, Gandhi said, “As LoP, it’s my right to speak, but I’m never allowed, while government members make statements freely.”

The opposition, led by Congress, demanded an immediate discussion on Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Gandhi criticized the government’s approach, stating, “The defence minister speaks, but the opposition is silenced. This is a new approach.” He also took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming he “ran out of the House in a second.”

Speaker Om Birla assured members that discussions on Operation Sindoor and other issues would be allowed after Question Hour, urging adherence to parliamentary rules. “Sloganeering and placards are not permitted,” Birla said, promising ample time for MPs who submit notices. The House also paid tributes to victims of the Pahalgam attack, the June 12 Ahmedabad plane crash, and eight former MPs, while celebrating astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s 18-day mission at the International Space Station.

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