Rahul Gandhi Asks Lok Sabha Speaker For Permission To Respond To "Defamatory Claims"

Mr Gandhi accused the members of the ruling government of making "scurrilous and defamatory claims" against him both within and outside Parliament.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, under fire for his remarks on Indian democracy in London, has again written to the Lok Sabha Speaker requesting permission to respond to "totally baseless and unfair charges" hurled at him by senior Ministers in the Lok Sabha. He cited house conventions while making the request, and also pointed out that the same rule was earlier invoked by one of the Union Ministers.

"I am seeking this permission under the conventions of Parliamentary practice, the constitutionally embedded rules of natural justice and Rule 357 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha," he said.

The rule allows members to, with the permission of the Speaker, make a personal explanation even when there is no question before the House.

"But in this case no debatable matter may be brought forward, and no debate shall arise," it specifies.Mr Gandhi accused the members of the ruling government of making "scurrilous and defamatory claims" against him both within and outside Parliament.