Parliamentary proceedings were overshadowed on Tuesday after Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been “compromised,” triggering fresh political confrontation as repeated disruptions stalled debate over China and references to former Army chief Manoj Mukund Naravane’s memoir.Speaking to reporters outside Parliament after he was passed over amid uproar in the House, Gandhi framed his remarks as a matter of national security and institutional accountability. He said the government’s resistance to a full discussion on China, combined with what he described as evasiveness over disclosures in Naravane’s memoir, raised questions that demanded answers. The Congress leader did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegation but argued that Parliament had a responsibility to scrutinise decisions taken at the highest level of government.
The statement came as both Houses witnessed adjournments following opposition demands for a structured debate on the situation along the Line of Actual Control and the government’s handling of it. Opposition members sought clarification on passages in Naravane’s book that refer to military and political decision-making during periods of tension with China. Treasury benches countered that the memoir did not warrant parliamentary time and accused the opposition of manufacturing controversy.
Gandhi’s allegation intensified an already charged atmosphere. “Claims that leadership stands compromised,” he said, repeating the charge in a shorter formulation as he accused the government of avoiding scrutiny. He also criticised the Speaker’s decision to move on to listed business amid noise, saying the opposition was being denied its right to be heard on matters of national importance.
The government rejected the charge outright. Senior ministers described the allegation as reckless and defamatory, insisting that policy towards China had been consistent and guided by national interest. They maintained that operational details relating to the armed forces should not be politicised and that memoirs reflect personal recollections rather than official positions. Ruling party leaders also pointed to statements by the defence establishment emphasising preparedness and continuity in command structures.
Naravane, who served as Chief of the Army Staff from 2019 to 2022, has written about command decisions, civil-military coordination and the pressures of leadership during tense periods. While the book does not accuse the political leadership of impropriety, selective references have been seized upon by opposition leaders to argue for greater transparency. Government supporters have responded that extracting lines from a memoir risks misrepresentation.
The episode highlights a broader pattern in which Parliament has struggled to sustain extended debates on foreign policy and security, with disruptions often replacing deliberation. Opposition parties have argued that the stakes involved in relations with China warrant bipartisan discussion, especially after previous standoffs and disengagement talks. The government has countered that sensitive negotiations are best handled through established channels rather than televised exchanges.
Gandhi’s remarks also reflect the opposition’s strategy of elevating accountability as a central theme in the current session. By invoking compromise, he sought to place the burden of explanation on the executive while mobilising public attention beyond the chamber. Political analysts note that such language, while galvanising supporters, also raises the bar for substantiation and invites sharp rebuttal.
Procedurally, the Speaker’s decision to pass over members amid disorder is permitted under House rules, but repeated use has drawn criticism from across parties over the erosion of debate. Several opposition MPs said the denial of speaking time compounded frustrations and hardened positions, making consensus harder to achieve.