Priyanka Gandhi Criticizes PM Modi’s Absence in Lok Sabha, Jokes About ‘Epstein Files’

New Delhi: Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday for not delivering his scheduled speech in the Lok Sabha. Representing Wayanad, she claimed that the Prime Minister was avoiding questions raised by the opposition.

The motion of thanks on the President’s address was passed in the Lok Sabha by voice vote amid frequent slogans and disruptions. It was expected that PM Modi would address the House on Wednesday. However, due to repeated protests and interruptions by opposition members, his speech was cancelled, and the House was adjourned.

‘Are They Afraid of Epstein Files?’
Speaking during the Lok Sabha proceedings, Priyanka Gandhi questioned whether the government was deliberately avoiding opposition scrutiny. Responding to a remark by Union Minister JP Nadda, who had labeled Rahul Gandhi as “naive” in the Rajya Sabha, she said opposition leaders must be allowed to speak freely in Parliament.

Priyanka Gandhi said, “What are they afraid of—quoting from a book? Or are they afraid of the Epstein files? Or that we might ask them about the India-US deal, which could adversely affect farmers?” The Wayanad MP was referring to reports related to the Prime Minister’s official visit to Israel and other claims, which the government has dismissed as baseless.

Heated Debate in Rajya Sabha
Earlier, the Parliament session saw disruptions in the Rajya Sabha as well, with opposition protests over the cancellation of PM Modi’s Lok Sabha speech. JP Nadda accused the opposition of deliberately obstructing the proceedings. He said, “You did not allow the House to function. I strongly condemn the claim that democracy is under threat. Parties must understand this internally. Democratic processes must be respected, and no party should be held hostage by naive individuals.”

The incident highlights growing tensions between the government and the opposition over parliamentary decorum and accountability.