Venkaiah Naidu issues privilege-notice against Rahul Gandhi for "Jaitlie" tweet
What's the story
Following Rahul Gandhi's tweet against Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, calling him "Jaitlie", Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu issued a notice of breaching the parliamentary privilege against the Congress President. The notice was sent to Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan for further action as Rahul is a Lok Sabha member. BJP leader and Rajya Sabha member Bhupender Yadav raised the issue against Gandhi's tweet.
Details
"Prima facie there is an issue of privilege"
According to sources, in the privilege notice forwarded to Mahajan, Naidu stated, "On examination, prima facie there is an issue of privilege." Sources in Naidu's office said, "The breach of privilege stands on the grounds that it imputed motives to the intent, character, and conduct of the Leader of the House Arun Jaitley by the way the spelling of Mr. Jaitley has been twisted."
Jaitlie Tweet
What exactly did Rahul tweet about?
Last month, Rahul Gandhi tweeted a video of PM Modi speaking against ex-PM Manmohan Singh, alleging he conspired with Pakistan for BJP's defeat in Gujarat elections, alongside Arun Jaitley's claims that Modi never questioned Singh's commitment to India. Gandhi added, "Dear Mr Jaitlie - thank you for reminding India that our PM never means what he says or says what he means. #BJPLies."
Twitter Post
Rahul spells Jaitley as "Jaitlie"
Dear Mr Jaitlie - thank you for reminding India that our PM never means what he says or says what he means. #BJPLies pic.twitter.com/I7n1f07GaX
— Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) December 27, 2017
Remarks
Attempt at obstructing House and vitiating political atmosphere: Yadav
BJP's Bhupender Yadav said Rahul twisted the spelling of Finance Minister's surname to "Jaitlie" which is highly derogatory. He added it was an attempt to spoil the political atmosphere of India. Yadav even sought to know what action would be taken against Gandhi. A complaint against the Congress President is pending before senior BJP leader LK Advani-led Ethics Committee of the Lok Sabha.
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Gandhi's tweet was very derogatory: Yadav
On Rahul's tweet, Yadav reportedly said: "(It) was very derogatory and highly unbecoming on the part of Rahul Gandhi and it deliberately misinterpreted the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha in order to malign the Government...which constitutes an affront to the dignity of the House."
Privileges
What is parliamentary privilege?
Parliamentary privilege means the rights/immunities enjoyed by the Parliament and its members to discharge their functions entrusted by the Constitution. Breach of privilege means a violation of privilege of Parliament/MPs. Rajya Sabha rules say: "A member may, with the consent of the Chairman, raise a question involving a breach of privilege either of a member or of the Council or of a Committee."
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Statements against MPs is breach of privilege
"Among other things, any action 'casting reflections' on MPs, parliament or its committees; could be considered breach of privilege. This may include publishing of news items, editorials or statements made in newspaper/magazine/TV interviews or in public speeches," says PRS Legislative Research.