Political disputes involving Kiren Rijiju

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has engaged in several political disputes with members of the Opposition. Initially, Rijiju criticized the Opposition for disrupting parliamentary proceedings during the Monsoon Session, noting that the Lok Sabha functioned for only 15 per cent of its scheduled time. He also responded to remarks by Congress leader Pawan Khera regarding a video of the Minister swimming, describing Khera’s comments as “abusive” and “indecent.”

In subsequent developments, Rijiju targeted Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and the Indian National Congress. He characterized the Congress party as a ‘Bhasmasura’—a mythological figure that destroys everything it touches—claiming the party has a history of fragmentation and internal splits. Rijiju further alleged that the Congress has historically used Article 356 and President's Rule to dismantle state governments and target regional leaders to maintain dominance.

These tensions escalated following Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ (Echo of Students) program in Indore. During the event, Gandhi addressed student grievances concerning rising living costs and the lack of affordable hostel accommodation, questioning the central government’s priorities. In response, BJP leaders, including Rijiju, criticized the event as a ‘stage-managed’ performance and accused Gandhi of being disconnected from societal realities, reiterating the ‘Bhasmasura’ comparison to describe the Congress party’s alleged history of breaking allies and leaders.