Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma New Delhi

A sharp political confrontation erupted in the Lok Sabha on Monday after Rahul Gandhi accused the Centre of suppressing voices demanding justice for farmers, declaring that he would not be deterred even if legal action were initiated against him.
“If speaking the truth invites a lawsuit, so be it. But I will not stop raising my voice for farmers,” the Congress leader said, triggering uproar in the House. Treasury bench members described his remarks as “misleading and irresponsible politics,” escalating tensions between the Opposition and the government.


Key Issues at a Glance
Rahul Gandhi questions Centre over legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP)
Opposition alleges policies favour large corporate houses
Government rejects charges, cites pro-farmer reforms
Political temperature rises ahead of upcoming elections


Opposition’s Charge
Gandhi alleged that government policies were tilted in favour of large corporate groups while farmers continued to struggle for remunerative prices for their produce. He questioned why the government was reluctant to grant a legal guarantee to MSP.
“Farmers need justice, not speeches,” he asserted, adding that attempts to intimidate him through privilege motions or legal proceedings would not silence his advocacy for farmers and the poor.
The Congress described his remarks as a “fight for truth against those in power.”


Government’s Counter
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) dismissed the allegations, stating that the government had taken historic decisions in recent years for farmers’ welfare. Senior ministers accused the Opposition of deliberately spreading confusion in the name of farmers for political gain.


One senior minister remarked that the Congress was raising emotional issues because it sensed its political ground slipping.


Political Strategy or Farmers’ Cause?
Political observers believe the renewed focus on farmers’ issues is closely linked to the approaching electoral cycle. While the Opposition appears intent on mobilising public sentiment around agrarian distress, the government is countering with data on development schemes and welfare initiatives.


What Next?
With tempers running high inside Parliament, the issue is expected to intensify in the coming days. Reactions from farmer organisations will be closely watched. The confrontation signals that the debate may extend beyond parliamentary exchanges and could influence the broader political narrative in the run-up to elections.