In a series of dynamic protests outside Parliament, the Congress has adopted various symbolic props to pressurize the government into addressing critical allegations. After making headlines with their "Modi-Adani" T-shirts and bags, the party turned to a softer approach on Wednesday by using roses and the Indian flag. A notable moment occurred when Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition, handed a rose and the Tricolour to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as he entered the Parliament building, adding an element of unexpected civility to an otherwise tense standoff.
The protests are rooted in the Opposition's demand for a thorough discussion on allegations of bribery involving the Adani Group. US prosecutors recently accused Gautam Adani, his nephew Sagar, and other associates of paying over $250 million in bribes between 2020 and 2024 to secure solar energy contracts in India, potentially yielding profits exceeding $2 billion. These allegations have fueled Opposition demands for transparency, as Congress and its allies claim the government is stonewalling efforts to address the issue. Since the winter session began on November 20, proceedings in both Houses have been consistently disrupted due to this controversy and other contentious issues.
Adding another layer of intrigue, the BJP has countered the Congress's accusations by alleging links between Sonia Gandhi and billionaire philanthropist George Soros. The ruling party claims that an organization funded by the Soros Foundation, allegedly supportive of separatist ideas for Kashmir, has ties to the Congress, creating a tit-for-tat narrative in the escalating political drama.
On Tuesday, the Opposition’s INDIA bloc submitted a notice to the Rajya Sabha, seeking to move a motion for the removal of Vice President and Chairman of the Upper House, Jagdeep Dhankhar. The notice cited "partisan" conduct as the primary reason, reflecting the Opposition's dissatisfaction with his handling of parliamentary proceedings. While the motion is unlikely to succeed due to the Opposition's lack of a simple majority in the 243-member Rajya Sabha, leaders emphasized that their action was symbolic—a declaration of their commitment to upholding parliamentary democracy.
Amid these political maneuvers, the Rajya Sabha witnessed further turmoil as both Opposition and treasury benches traded accusations over the no-confidence notice against Dhankhar, leading to repeated adjournments. The ongoing standoff underscores the intensifying battle between the government and the Opposition, as they spar over governance, accountability, and the sanctity of democratic institutions.
