The Congress on Tuesday sharpened its offensive against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with senior leader Jairam Ramesh announcing that the party has moved a question of privilege in the Lok Sabha over his recent address to the nation.
In a statement, Ramesh said his “senior colleague in the Lok Sabha,” KC Venugopal, had submitted the notice, alleging that the Prime Minister’s remarks came after what he described as the “defeat of his nefarious designs in the Lok Sabha” due to “absolute Opposition unity and solidarity.”
Taking aim at the tone of the speech, Ramesh argued that such addresses are meant to rise above partisan considerations. “A sitting PM’s address to the nation has always been reserved for the overriding purpose of national unity and confidence-building,” he said.
He further accused Modi of engaging in “unabashed partisan demagoguery,” claiming the address contained “59 different attacks on the Congress party,” and said it would remain “yet another permanent stain on his record as Prime Minister.”
The development comes amid escalating political tensions between the Congress and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, with both sides trading sharp accusations over parliamentary conduct and public messaging.
While the Congress has alleged misuse of official platforms for political attacks, the BJP has consistently defended the Prime Minister’s outreach as part of his communication with citizens and dismissed the Opposition’s criticism as politically motivated.