What I saw in Parliament this Budget Session: A reporter's account

The first leg of the Budget Session saw stormy proceedings but frequent and long disruptions over Rahul Gandhi attempting to quote from former Army chief General MM Naravane's unpublished book 'Four Stars of Destiny' in the Lok Sabha.

The Indian Parliament has witnessed its fair share of drama — from abrupt resignations to heated exchanges and abuses hurled across the aisle. But during the current Budget Session, I observed something quite unexpected. It was the remarkably relaxed and almost cheerful demeanour of the Gandhi siblings. Both Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi seemed to be enjoying the spotlight and attention that followed them everywhere.

Priyanka Gandhi appeared particularly composed in her responses. She knew that the moment she stepped out of her car, at least 50 cameras and microphones would surround her — and that she would have to respond, no matter the question.

Most media personnel, including myself, usually gather at Makar Dwar. I spend a significant part of my day there because it is at this entrance that you see opposition and government leaders chatting amicably, putting their arms around each other’s shoulders, and sometimes even sharing jokes and food. It is also the gate through which the Gandhi siblings enter Parliament.

Let me tell you what I witnessed.

The last week of the session saw a full-blown confrontation between the government and the opposition, with Rahul Gandhi at the centre of it. When he was given the opportunity to speak, he referred to former Army Chief M. M. Naravane’s book — and that opened a Pandora’s box.

The Speaker ruled that his remarks were against parliamentary rules. Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh both stood up to cite procedural rules, demanding that Rahul Gandhi authenticate what he had quoted on the floor of the House.