New Delhi: Responding to Union minister Kiren Rijiju’s criticism of Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Manickam Tagore stated on Wednesday that labeling calls for accountability as “anti-national rhetoric” is inappropriate. He emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should address the questions raised by the Opposition in Parliament.

Tagore’s remarks followed Rijiju’s accusation that Gandhi was using the “language of Pakistan” to mislead the nation with his critiques of Modi’s foreign policy, rather than fostering unity. Rijiju remarked, “It harms the country,” a day after Gandhi criticized Modi’s approach to China.

In his rebuttal, Tagore asserted that Rijiju’s comments about the Leader of the Opposition are not only unacceptable but also indicative of how unsettled the Modi government is.

He stated, “When Dr. (S) Jaishankar engages with Chinese leaders, what he communicates (or fails to communicate) is far more significant than any admonition directed at the Opposition. Rahul Gandhi, a leader from a family that played a pivotal role in the division of Pakistan and the formation of Bangladesh, represents a remarkable achievement in India’s foreign policy history,” Tagore expressed in a post on X.

“Do not dare to label him with Sanghi’s terminology simply because he poses challenging questions that the Prime Minister is too afraid to address. You speak of ‘coordination’, Mr. Minister, yet your statements reveal arrogance and intolerance,” Tagore remarked. He asserted that the Prime Minister is not above Parliament.

“He (Modi) leads a minority party within a coalition government, diminished by the electorate of India. He is obligated to respond to the Leader of the Opposition,” Tagore stated. ‘Rahul speaking language of Pak on foreign policy harms India’

“The Opposition desires Parliament to operate effectively. We expect the Prime Minister to engage with the House and respond, rather than conceal himself behind orchestrated speeches,” he added.

Tagore urged Rijiju not to misconstrue calls for accountability as “anti-national” rhetoric, reinforcing that this is a democracy, not a dictatorship.

“If Modi ji is unable to confront Parliament, and if he cannot engage with elected MPs, he should reflect on who is truly undermining India’s democracy? @Kiren Rijiju, be cautious with your words. Parliament is the people’s domain, not the property of a single party,” Tagore remarked.

Previously, Rijiju mentioned that he would advise the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha to collaborate on foreign policy rather than make statements that are “against the country,” indicating a growing rift between the ruling coalition and the Opposition as the Monsoon session of Parliament approaches.

Rijiju stated, “You (Gandhi) criticize the prime minister regarding foreign policy instead of presenting a united front. How does this serve the nation… Rahul Gandhi attempts to mislead by adopting the rhetoric of Pakistan concerning foreign policy.”

On Tuesday, Gandhi shared a media report about S Jaishankar meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and updating him on the latest developments in India-China relations, claiming that the external affairs minister was “orchestrating a full-blown circus aimed at undermining India’s foreign policy.”

“I suppose the Chinese foreign minister will come and inform Modi about the latest developments in China-India relations. The EAM is now orchestrating a full-blown circus aimed at undermining India’s foreign policy,” Gandhi remarked.

The Monsoon session of Parliament is set to commence on July 21.