Parliament witnessed a massive uproar due to Anurag Thakur’s remarks about Rahul Gandhi. As soon as the Lok Sabha session commenced, opposition members thronged the Well and began shouting slogans. Despite the chaos, the Question Hour continued. The speaker, Om Birla, intervened as the opposition's chants grew louder and the members began waving 'We Want Caste Census' posters. Due to the ruckus, the session had to be adjourned temporarily.
Speaker Om Birla stated that it had already been decided in the BSC meeting that no honorable member would bring placards. “This will not continue. You have come deliberately to disrupt the proceedings,” he told opposition members. He pointed out that the opposition had no significant issues and called upon the parliamentary affairs minister.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju criticized the opposition’s conduct, targeting Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party. He labeled their behavior as inappropriate, emphasizing that Congress often discusses caste, yet react adversely when questioned about it.
Rijiju accused Congress of consistently attempting to divide the nation, undermining the armed forces, and inciting violence and anarchy. He stressed that Congress aims to weaken the country, and asserted the government’s commitment to rules and regulations. Meanwhile, opposition members continued to wave posters demanding a caste census.
Earlier, Shiv Sena UBT MP Uddhav Thackeray remarked that BJP members frequently insult Rahul Gandhi, suggesting that one must endure such criticism to champion the poor's cause. He added that the poor hold high hopes from Rahul Gandhi, and likened BJP’s derogatory remarks to those faced by Mahatma Gandhi, who nonetheless made significant contributions to the country. Congress MP Imran Masood called for a serious caste census and advised Anurag Thakur to learn etiquette.
Shiv Sena UBT MP Priyanka Chaturvedi mentioned that the BJP was becoming frustrated due to their impending opposition status, thus resorting to discussions on caste and religion. Notably, a day earlier in the Lok Sabha, Anurag Thakur stated that those who incessantly talk about caste are unaware of their own. This remark angered Rahul Gandhi and other opposition members, leading to Rahul Gandhi alleging that Thakur insulted him and refusing to demand an apology.
Reacting to Thakur's comments, Akhilesh Yadav questioned how one could inquire about another's caste. Jagdambika Pal, who was presiding over the session, remarked that the statement was expunged, reiterating that no honorable member is permitted to question someone’s caste in the House.
