Rahul Gandhi and Jagdambika Pal (Images/Agencies) NEW DELHI: A sharp exchange took place in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday between leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi and BJP leader Jagdambika Pal, who was presiding over the House in place of Speaker Om Birla.The session was chaired by Pal after Om Birla decided not to preside over proceedings until the Opposition’s notice seeking his removal is disposed of by the House. During the debate, Rahul Gandhi referred to Pal’s past association with the Congress. ‘Either Naravane Or Penguin Is Lying’: Rahul Gandhi Reacts To Publisher’s Statement On Memoir Referring to Jagdambika Pal’s past association with the Congress, Rahul Gandhi said that he shared a sense of fondness for him.“You (Jagdambika Pal), are an ex-Congress member, so I will do a special favour today, I will back down. You know we have a fondness for you. We know your heart is not there, your heart is here.”Pal responded firmly, reminding Gandhi that he had not taken his advice. “I am here as a Presiding Officer. If you are sitting there, it is because you have not taken my advice.”The exchange came amid a broader and combative speech by Gandhi during the discussion on the Union Budget 2026–27, where he mounted a strong attack on the government’s handling of India’s strategic and economic interests.Jagdambika Pal, who now represents the BJP, was earlier a Congress leader and served in the 15th Lok Sabha as a Congress MP before resigning from the party and joining the BJP in 2014. At the time of his resignation, Pal had announced that he had stepped down both from the Lok Sabha and from the Congress party. “I met Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar today and tendered my resignation. I have resigned from my Lok Sabha seat as well as from the party,” he had said.Explaining his decision, Pal had indicated dissatisfaction with the party’s internal functioning. “After serving in Congress for so long, I had been getting a feeling for sometime that I am not being able to put forth my views and suggestions and there was a problem in communication with the leadership,” he said.He had further remarked, without naming Rahul Gandhi directly, “The emerging leadership of Congress perhaps does not require senior leaders like me. Senior leaders like me are not being able to communicate, not being able to give their views. Their suggestions are not being heard and they are not being given respect.”Pal had added, “What is the point in staying put if I can’t command respect and can’t even communicate with the leadership,” while highlighting that he had worked in the party from the time of Indira Gandhi to Sonia Gandhi before deciding to quit.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’You Sold Bharat Mata’: Rahul Gandhi’s Sharp Attack At PM Modi, ‘Not Your Servant’ Message To TrumpRafale Expansion Plan Gains Momentum Ahead Of French President Macron’s High Stakes India Visit’Soggy Poppadums’ Vs ‘Fine Tandoori’: UK Parliament Spars Over India Trade Deal As MPs Trade Charges’Entered Speaker’s Chamber And Abused Him’: Rijiju Hits Out At Congress, Slams Rahul GandhiIndia Pushback Forces White House To Rewrite Trade Deal Factsheet Claims On Tariffs, Tax, PurchasesIndia Need Not Worry About Bangladesh-US Trade Deal: Former Envoy Veena SikriTharoor Praises Parliamentary Panel Meet On India-EU, India-US Trade DealsCongress Moves No-Trust Motion Against Om Birla; Lamborghini CCTV Contradicts Tobacco Tycoon’s Claim‘Not To Get Involved In Political Game’: EU Launches Mission For Bangladesh 2026 PollsNo-Confidence Against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Explained: Process, Rules And Numbers In Parliament123PhotostoriesIs your illness karmic? what your birth date saysNancy Guthrie case update: What we know about the person detained for questioningRetro runners to pop-coloured sneakers: 5 hottest sneaker trends of 2026What did the Indian Railways’ menu look like in the 1990s?Hard water effects on skin: Signs your tap water is causing facial acneWhite menace returns: Yamuna froths again in DelhiInside the world’s most guarded museums: 5 priceless paintings on public displayFeeling lost in life? 5 powerful ways to discover your true soul purposePresident Droupadi Murmu treated the Seychelles President with an exotic coastal Indian menu from 5 states: Look what was servedFrom Rashtrapati Bhavan to Parliament: See who all Sachin Tendulkar invited to son Arjun’s wedding123Hot PicksMumbai Mayor SelectionGold Silver PricesParliament Budget SessionBharat BandhIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingAndre Grey and Leigh Anne Net WorthScott NiedermayerBengaluru Techie MurderMM NaravaneKhwaja AsifBengaluru Businessman Bank Account HackedKiren RijijuHind Al OwaisBOB Assistant Admit CardWhen JEE Main Result Out
Rahul Gandhi and Jagdambika Pal (Images/Agencies)
NEW DELHI: A sharp exchange took place in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday between leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi and BJP leader Jagdambika Pal, who was presiding over the House in place of Speaker Om Birla.The session was chaired by Pal after Om Birla decided not to preside over proceedings until the Opposition’s notice seeking his removal is disposed of by the House. During the debate, Rahul Gandhi referred to Pal’s past association with the Congress.
Referring to Jagdambika Pal’s past association with the Congress, Rahul Gandhi said that he shared a sense of fondness for him.“You (Jagdambika Pal), are an ex-Congress member, so I will do a special favour today, I will back down. You know we have a fondness for you. We know your heart is not there, your heart is here.”Pal responded firmly, reminding Gandhi that he had not taken his advice. “I am here as a Presiding Officer. If you are sitting there, it is because you have not taken my advice.”The exchange came amid a broader and combative speech by Gandhi during the discussion on the Union Budget 2026–27, where he mounted a strong attack on the government’s handling of India’s strategic and economic interests.Jagdambika Pal, who now represents the BJP, was earlier a Congress leader and served in the 15th Lok Sabha as a Congress MP before resigning from the party and joining the BJP in 2014. At the time of his resignation, Pal had announced that he had stepped down both from the Lok Sabha and from the Congress party. “I met Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar today and tendered my resignation. I have resigned from my Lok Sabha seat as well as from the party,” he had said.Explaining his decision, Pal had indicated dissatisfaction with the party’s internal functioning. “After serving in Congress for so long, I had been getting a feeling for sometime that I am not being able to put forth my views and suggestions and there was a problem in communication with the leadership,” he said.He had further remarked, without naming Rahul Gandhi directly, “The emerging leadership of Congress perhaps does not require senior leaders like me. Senior leaders like me are not being able to communicate, not being able to give their views. Their suggestions are not being heard and they are not being given respect.”Pal had added, “What is the point in staying put if I can’t command respect and can’t even communicate with the leadership,” while highlighting that he had worked in the party from the time of Indira Gandhi to Sonia Gandhi before deciding to quit.
