The Congress on Wednesday moved a Privilege Motion against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for posting on social media “a portion of remarks which were expunged from the proceedings of the House by the Chair”.
The notice for the motion was moved by former Punjab Chief Minister and now Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi under rule 222 which gives a member the power, with the consent of the Speaker, to raise a question involving a breach of privilege either of a member or of the House or of a Committee.
PM Modi had shared on X a part of BJP leader Anurag Thakur’s remarks on Rahul Gandhi’s caste during a debate in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday when the Congress MP made a pitch for caste census.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday praised BJP leader Anurag Thakur’s speech in the Lok Sabha, in which the former Union minister made a political counter to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s address, saying it is a “must hear”.
“This speech by my young and energetic colleague Shri Anurag Thakur is a must hear. A perfect mix of facts and humour, exposing the dirty politics of the INDI Alliance,” Modi said on X.
In the letter submitted to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Channi said, “On 30 July, 2024, certain objectionable remarks made by Shri Anurag Singh Thakur were expunged from the proceedings of the House by the Speaker, Lok Sabha. Relevant extracts from proceedings are enclosed,” said the letter.
The letter further said that it was shocking to note that the expunged portions were posted by the Prime Minister on ‘X’ “along with the whole speech video”.
The letter said that the Prime Minister posting the “expunged remarks” on social media clearly amounts to a breach of privilege and contempt of the House.
“I, therefore, contemplate to move a Privilege Motion against the Prime Minister and request you to please admit my motion and permit me to move the same. Request that privilege proceedings may be initiated against the Prime Minister,” Channi urged.