6 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

Polity & GovernanceNEWS

Rajya Sabha Sees Uproar, Opposition Walkout Over Rahul Gandhi Issue

Rajya Sabha sees walkout as Rahul Gandhi issue escalates tensions.

The Rajya Sabha witnessed a walkout by Opposition parties after a heated exchange regarding Rahul Gandhi's inability to speak in the Lok Sabha. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge attempted to reference an unpublished book by General M.M. Naravane (retd), but was disallowed by Chairman C.P.

Radhakrishnan. Leader of the House J.P. Nadda criticized the Congress, referring to Mr.

Gandhi as an "abodh balak". Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju questioned the timing of the protest. The Chairman cited precedent against discussing Lok Sabha proceedings in the Rajya Sabha.

Mr. Kharge accused the BJP of stifling democratic processes.

Key Facts

Rajya Sabha witnessed a walkout by Opposition parties.

The walkout was triggered by a dispute over Rahul Gandhi's inability to speak in the Lok Sabha.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge attempted to reference an unpublished book by General M.M. Naravane (retd).

Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan disallowed Kharge from doing so.

Leader of the House J.P. Nadda criticized the Congress, referring to Mr. Gandhi as an 'abodh balak'.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju questioned the timing of the protest.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 2: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

Connects to the syllabus by illustrating the dynamics of parliamentary proceedings and the role of the opposition.

Potential question types: Statement-based questions on the powers and functions of the Rajya Sabha, analytical questions on the role of the opposition in Parliament.

More Information

Background

The Rajya Sabha, also known as the Council of States, is the upper house of the Indian Parliament. Its origins can be traced back to the Government of India Act, 1919, which introduced a bicameral legislature at the center. The concept of an upper house is designed to provide a check on the popularly elected lower house and to represent the interests of states. The composition, powers, and functions of the Rajya Sabha are defined by the Constitution of India. Over time, the Rajya Sabha has evolved in its role and functions. Initially, it was conceived as a body representing the states and acting as a revising chamber. However, with successive Constitutional Amendments and judicial interpretations, its role has expanded to include scrutinizing legislation, holding the government accountable, and providing a platform for debate on matters of national importance. The powers of the Rajya Sabha are not equal to those of the Lok Sabha, particularly in matters of money bills, reflecting the principle of popular sovereignty. The legal and constitutional framework governing the Rajya Sabha is primarily enshrined in Part V of the Constitution, specifically Articles 79 to 122. These articles deal with the composition, duration, qualifications, disqualifications, powers, privileges, and procedures of Parliament, including the Rajya Sabha. The Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States further elaborate on the day-to-day functioning of the House.

Latest Developments

Recent parliamentary sessions have witnessed increased disruptions and walkouts, reflecting heightened political polarization. The use of parliamentary privileges and rules of procedure has come under scrutiny, with both the government and the opposition accusing each other of undermining democratic norms. The role of the presiding officers in maintaining order and impartiality has also been a subject of debate. These events underscore the challenges in ensuring effective parliamentary functioning in a multi-party democracy. Ongoing debates center on the balance between the government's legislative agenda and the opposition's right to dissent and hold the government accountable. The use of instruments like the Question Hour, Zero Hour, and debates on motions are crucial for ensuring government accountability. However, their effectiveness is often hampered by disruptions and procedural delays. The role of parliamentary committees in scrutinizing legislation and holding hearings is also vital for informed decision-making. The future outlook for parliamentary functioning depends on fostering greater consensus and adherence to parliamentary norms. Reforms in parliamentary procedures, such as time allocation for debates and stricter enforcement of rules of order, could enhance the efficiency of the House. Strengthening the role of parliamentary committees and promoting dialogue between the government and the opposition are also essential for effective parliamentary democracy. The conduct of members and their respect for the institution are vital for maintaining public trust in the parliamentary system.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main issue that caused the uproar in the Rajya Sabha?

The Rajya Sabha saw a walkout by Opposition parties due to a dispute over Rahul Gandhi's inability to speak in the Lok Sabha.

2. Who are the key personalities involved in this Rajya Sabha incident, as per the topic?

The key personalities mentioned are Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and General M.M. Naravane (retd).

3. What is the role of the Rajya Sabha Chairman in maintaining order during debates?

The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is responsible for maintaining order and impartiality. In this instance, Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan disallowed Mallikarjun Kharge from referencing an unpublished book, citing precedent.

4. Why is the Rajya Sabha also known as the Council of States?

The Rajya Sabha is known as the Council of States because it is designed to represent the interests of the states in the Indian Parliament.

5. What is the historical background of the Rajya Sabha?

The Rajya Sabha's origins can be traced back to the Government of India Act, 1919, which introduced a bicameral legislature at the center.

6. What are the potential implications of frequent disruptions and walkouts in the Rajya Sabha?

Frequent disruptions and walkouts can undermine democratic norms and hinder the legislative process.

7. How might the incident in the Rajya Sabha affect the relationship between the ruling and opposition parties?

This incident highlights the heightened political polarization and could further strain the relationship between the ruling and opposition parties.

8. What is the significance of the term 'abodh balak' used in the context of this news?

Leader of the House J.P. Nadda used the term 'abodh balak' to criticize Rahul Gandhi, implying a lack of understanding or maturity.

9. What is the key takeaway regarding parliamentary procedure from this news?

The Chairman cited precedent against discussing Lok Sabha proceedings in the Rajya Sabha, highlighting the separation and distinct functions of the two houses.

10. Why is this Rajya Sabha uproar considered a high-importance news item?

The Rajya Sabha uproar is considered high-importance because it reflects the current political climate and potential disruptions to parliamentary proceedings, impacting governance and law-making.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the powers of the Rajya Sabha: 1. It can initiate and pass ordinary bills, which can then be sent to the Lok Sabha. 2. It has equal powers with the Lok Sabha in the passage of Money Bills. 3. It can participate in the election of the President and Vice-President of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 3 only
B.2 only
C.1, 2 and 3
D.1 only

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Rajya Sabha can initiate and pass ordinary bills. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The Rajya Sabha does NOT have equal powers with the Lok Sabha in the passage of Money Bills. Money Bills can only originate in the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha can only suggest amendments, which the Lok Sabha may or may not accept. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The Rajya Sabha participates in the election of the President and Vice-President of India as part of the Electoral College.

2. Which of the following statements accurately describes the 'Zero Hour' in the Indian Parliament?

A.It is the first hour of every parliamentary sitting, dedicated to questions.
B.It is a period immediately following the Question Hour when members can raise matters without prior notice.
C.It is the time reserved for the introduction of Money Bills.
D.It is the final hour of the parliamentary sitting, used for government statements.

Show Answer

Answer: B

The Zero Hour is a period immediately following the Question Hour when members of Parliament can raise matters of importance without prior notice. It is an informal convention and not mentioned in the Rules of Procedure. The Question Hour is the first hour of parliamentary sitting dedicated to questions. Money Bills are not exclusively introduced during the Zero Hour.

3. Assertion (A): Discussions regarding the proceedings of the Lok Sabha are generally disallowed in the Rajya Sabha. Reason (R): This practice is based on the principle of respecting the autonomy and independence of each House of Parliament. In the context of the above, which of the following is correct?

A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C.A is true, but R is false.
D.A is false, but R is true.

Show Answer

Answer: A

Assertion (A) is true: Discussions regarding the proceedings of the Lok Sabha are generally disallowed in the Rajya Sabha to maintain parliamentary decorum and avoid unnecessary conflicts. Reason (R) is also true and is the correct explanation of A: The practice is indeed based on the principle of respecting the autonomy and independence of each House of Parliament, ensuring that each House can function without undue interference from the other.