NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah took a sharp swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, accusing him of relying on speeches written by NGOs rather than official government data.
Shah made the remark while responding to the debate on the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, which was later passed by the Lok Sabha.
“Since Rahul Gandhi has become a leader of the INDI alliance, he looks for the data issued by NGOs apart from the government. Sometimes, he reads speeches written by NGOs,” Shah said responding to opposition MPs
Shah’s comments came after Rahul had alleged that he was repeatedly denied the opportunity to speak in Parliament. “I am never allowed to speak… I don’t know what they are scared of,” he told reporters.
Congress deputy leader Gaurav Gogoi and other opposition leaders accused the ruling party of violating House traditions. They submitted a letter highlighting their concerns, including the alleged denial of speaking opportunities to the Leader of the Opposition and the absence of a deputy speaker in the Lok Sabha since 2019.
Shah while speaking on the new bill said that it would bolster internal security and address overlapping legal provisions on immigration.
During his address he said that India is not a “Dharamshala” and would not allow those who pose a threat to the nation to enter. “If someone comes to the nation to contribute to its development, they are always welcome,” he added.
Reiterating the government’s tough stance, Shah said that strict action would be taken against Rohingyas or Bangladeshis entering the country illegally to create unrest. He highlighted India’s growing global economic stature and warned of increased attempts to exploit the country’s openness. “In the last ten years, India has become the fifth-largest economy. As we grow, we must also ensure that those entering our borders do not pose a threat to national security.”
The Union home minister also pointed to the Citizenship Amendment Act, describing it as a means for persecuted minorities from neighbouring countries to seek refuge in India. He stressed that the new legislation would provide a structured system for monitoring every foreigner entering the country.
