New Delhi, March 11, 2026: Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, accusing him of poor parliamentary attendance while lamenting his own restricted speaking opportunities.
Addressing the House, Shah highlighted stark contrasts in attendance figures. “Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi often talks about his rights, but the facts tell a different story,” he said. In the 17th Lok Sabha, Gandhi’s attendance stood at 51% against a national average of 67%; in the 16th Lok Sabha, it was 52% versus 80%; and in the 15th Lok Sabha, a mere 43% compared to 76%.
Shah contrasted this with his own experience: “Yet, when I try to speak, I am not allowed to. I am not being given the chance to speak unless I insist.”
The remarks, delivered amid heated exchanges, underscore ongoing tensions between the ruling BJP and opposition over House disruptions and speaking time allocations. Attendance records, often cited in political debates, are tracked by PRS Legislative Research, fueling accusations of absenteeism among leaders.
Congress leaders were quick to counter, though specifics on response were unavailable at press time. The exchange highlights persistent friction in the 18th Lok Sabha, where procedural wrangles have curtailed debates on key issues like Manipur violence and economic policies.
