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13 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express
4 min
Polity & GovernanceInternational RelationsEconomyNEWS

Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Trade Deal, Faces Expulsion Call

Rahul Gandhi targets PM over trade deal, BJP MP seeks his expulsion.

Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Trade Deal, Faces Expulsion Call

Photo by Ravi Sharma

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey gave notice for a substantive motion against Rahul Gandhi seeking his "immediate expulsion" from Lok Sabha. Rahul Gandhi targeted the Prime Minister and the government over the trade deal with the US, accusing it of compromising India's energy security and farm interests. He stated he would not budge and stands with the farmers. Dubey submitted a notice seeking Gandhi's expulsion after initiating an inquiry to examine his unethical conduct.

Key Facts

1.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey gave notice for a substantive motion against Rahul Gandhi seeking his "immediate expulsion" from Lok Sabha.

2.

Rahul Gandhi targeted the Prime Minister and the government over the trade deal with the US.

3.

Rahul Gandhi accused the government of compromising India's energy security and farm interests.

4.

Rahul Gandhi stated he would not budge and stands with the farmers.

5.

Dubey submitted a notice seeking Gandhi's expulsion after initiating an inquiry to examine his unethical conduct.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

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

2.

Connects to the syllabus by examining the powers and privileges of the Indian Parliament and the process of expulsion of a member.

3.

Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs, analytical questions on the balance between parliamentary privileges and accountability.

Visual Insights

Key Events and Accusations

Highlights of the news event, including the call for expulsion and accusations related to the trade deal.

Call for Rahul Gandhi's Expulsion
Expulsion Notice

Nishikant Dubey's motion seeks immediate expulsion from Lok Sabha.

Accusation
Compromising Energy Security and Farm Interests

Rahul Gandhi accuses the government of compromising India's energy security and farm interests through the trade deal with the US.

More Information

Background

The concept of parliamentary privileges is deeply rooted in British parliamentary history. These privileges are special rights and immunities enjoyed by members of parliament, individually and collectively, so that they can effectively carry out their duties. In India, Article 105 of the Constitution deals with the powers, privileges, and immunities of Parliament and its members. Over time, these privileges have been interpreted and expanded through various rulings and conventions. Initially, the Indian Constitution adopted the privileges of the British House of Commons. However, the Constitution also allows Parliament to define its own privileges by law. Until Parliament enacts such a law, the privileges of the British House of Commons as they existed in 1950 continue to apply. This has led to ongoing debates about the codification of parliamentary privileges and the need for greater clarity and accountability. The judiciary also plays a role in interpreting these privileges, ensuring they do not violate fundamental rights or other constitutional provisions, a process known as Judicial Review. The legal framework surrounding parliamentary privileges includes not only Article 105 but also various rules of procedure and conduct of business in both Houses of Parliament. These rules outline the process for raising questions of privilege and the powers of the Speaker or Chairperson to decide on such matters. The Committee of Privileges in each House also plays a crucial role in investigating alleged breaches of privilege and recommending appropriate action. The interplay between these constitutional provisions, rules, and conventions shapes the scope and application of parliamentary privileges in India. Breaching these privileges can lead to consequences, including a motion for expulsion.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been increasing scrutiny of parliamentary conduct and the use of privileges. Instances of disruptions, disorderly behavior, and allegations of unethical conduct have led to calls for reforms in parliamentary procedures and ethics. The Ethics Committee of Parliament has been actively examining cases of alleged misconduct and recommending appropriate sanctions. This reflects a growing emphasis on maintaining the integrity and decorum of parliamentary proceedings. The role of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha in upholding these standards has also come under increased focus. Debates surrounding parliamentary privileges often involve balancing the need to protect the independence and effectiveness of parliamentarians with the principles of accountability and transparency. Civil society organizations and the media play a crucial role in monitoring parliamentary proceedings and raising concerns about potential abuses of privilege. The judiciary also continues to exercise its power of judicial review to ensure that parliamentary privileges are exercised in a manner consistent with the Constitution and fundamental rights. This ongoing dialogue between the legislature, the judiciary, and civil society shapes the evolving understanding and application of parliamentary privileges in India. The recent notice for a substantive motion against Rahul Gandhi highlights these tensions. Looking ahead, there is a need for greater clarity and consensus on the scope and limits of parliamentary privileges. Codifying these privileges through legislation could provide a more predictable and transparent framework for their exercise. However, such an exercise would need to carefully balance the need to protect parliamentary independence with the imperative of ensuring accountability and respect for fundamental rights. The ongoing debate about parliamentary reforms and ethical standards is likely to continue shaping the future of parliamentary privileges in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts related to Rahul Gandhi and the trade deal issue that are important for UPSC Prelims?

For UPSC Prelims, focus on these key facts: Rahul Gandhi's criticism of the trade deal with the US, the accusations of compromising India's energy security and farmer interests, and the move by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey seeking Rahul Gandhi's expulsion from Lok Sabha.

Exam Tip

Remember the key personalities involved: Rahul Gandhi and Nishikant Dubey.

2. What is the constitutional basis for the expulsion of a Member of Parliament in India?

Article 105 of the Constitution deals with the powers, privileges, and immunities of Parliament and its members. While the topic data doesn't explicitly detail the expulsion process, it is related to parliamentary privileges and ethical conduct, which fall under the purview of Article 105 and the Ethics Committee of Parliament.

Exam Tip

Focus on Article 105 and the role of the Ethics Committee.

3. Why is the issue of India-US trade relations important in the context of this news?

The news highlights concerns raised by Rahul Gandhi regarding a trade deal with the US, specifically its potential impact on India's energy security and the interests of farmers. Understanding the nuances of India-US trade relations is crucial for assessing the validity and implications of these concerns.

4. What are parliamentary privileges, and why are they important?

Parliamentary privileges are special rights and immunities enjoyed by members of parliament, individually and collectively, so that they can effectively carry out their duties without obstruction or fear of legal repercussions for actions taken during parliamentary proceedings. These privileges are essential for maintaining the independence and integrity of the legislature.

  • •Ensures freedom of speech and expression in Parliament.
  • •Protects members from legal action for statements made in Parliament.
  • •Gives Parliament the power to punish those who breach its privileges.
5. What are the potential implications of Rahul Gandhi's expulsion from Lok Sabha on Indian politics?

Rahul Gandhi's expulsion could further polarize the political landscape, potentially leading to increased protests and unrest. It could also affect the opposition's ability to effectively challenge the government's policies and actions within the Parliament.

6. Why is Rahul Gandhi's criticism of the trade deal and the call for his expulsion in the news recently?

This issue is in the news due to the substantive motion moved by a BJP MP seeking Rahul Gandhi's expulsion following his criticism of the Prime Minister and the government over a trade deal with the US. This raises questions about freedom of speech in Parliament and the limits of dissent.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the powers and privileges of the Indian Parliament: 1. Article 105 of the Constitution explicitly defines all the powers, privileges, and immunities of Parliament and its members. 2. Until Parliament enacts a law defining its privileges, the privileges of the British House of Commons as they existed in 1950 continue to apply. 3. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha has the sole authority to decide on questions of breach of privilege. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.2 only
  • D.1, 2, and 3
Show Answer

Answer: C

Statement 1 is INCORRECT: Article 105 does not explicitly define ALL powers and privileges. It provides a framework, but many privileges are derived from conventions and precedents. Statement 2 is CORRECT: As per the Constitution, until Parliament enacts a law, the privileges of the British House of Commons as they existed in 1950 continue to apply. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: While the Speaker has the initial authority, the Committee of Privileges also plays a crucial role in investigating alleged breaches of privilege.

2. In the context of recent news regarding a motion for expulsion of a Member of Parliament, which of the following statements accurately describes a 'substantive motion' in parliamentary procedure?

  • A.A motion that is brought forward to amend an existing law.
  • B.A self-contained proposal submitted for the approval of the House and drafted in such a way as to be capable of expressing a decision of the House.
  • C.A motion that is used to postpone discussion on a bill.
  • D.A motion that is moved to censure a minister.
Show Answer

Answer: B

A substantive motion is a self-contained proposal submitted for the approval of the House and drafted in such a way as to be capable of expressing a decision of the House. It is an independent motion, not dependent on other motions or procedures. Options A, C, and D describe other types of motions used in parliamentary procedure.

3. Which of the following situations could potentially lead to a Member of Parliament facing a motion for expulsion? 1. Disrupting parliamentary proceedings persistently. 2. Being convicted of a criminal offense. 3. Disclosing confidential parliamentary information to the public. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2, and 3
Show Answer

Answer: D

All three situations can potentially lead to a motion for expulsion. Disrupting proceedings, criminal conviction, and disclosing confidential information are all considered breaches of parliamentary privilege or conduct unbecoming of a member.

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