Commerce Minister's press conference during session breaches House tradition, says Congress

Congress criticizes Commerce Minister's press conference during Parliament session, highlighting breaches of established House traditions.

Congress member Pramod Tiwari on Wednesday (Februay 4, 2026) raised a point of order in the Rajya Sabha, expressing concern over Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal holding a press conference on the India-U.S. trade deal outside Parliament while the session was ongoing.

"The House functions on rules and traditions. The tradition of the House has been that when a Parliament session is going on, policy matters cannot be raised outside. Yesterday, however, the commerce minister held a press conference on the trade deal," Mr. Tiwari said during zero hour, citing Rule 258.

Parliament Budget Session Day 6 LIVE

Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan dismissed the point of order, stating that the minister was scheduled to make a statement on the issue in the House on Wednesday (February 4, 2026) itself.

"The minister is going to make a statement today and therefore there is no point of order," he said.

Mr. Tiwari insisted he was raising concerns about Tuesday's (February 3, 2026) development.