In a tweet that sparked immediate backlash, Rijiju reposted a 2011 clip of Sibal, labeling him a "dimagi naxal" while defending the BJP’s stance on the protest strategy. The clip, shared at 3:45 pm IST, was accompanied by a caption that read, "Kiren Rijiju: Kapil Sibal is a dimagi naxal but he is an expert in exposing Congress, and now Congress will listen to their legal guru."
Sibal fired back with a scathing retort, saying, "I've heard he's a lawyer, but I've never seen him in court. He should at least speak about the facts." He added that the minister had misrepresented history and the legal framework, demanding that Rijiju uphold the dignity of his office. The senior advocate also accused the BJP of engineering hurdles to stifle opposition protests, citing halted trains and the de‑notification of Jantar Mantar as a protest site.
The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of the INDIA bloc’s public impeachment programme, set to launch tomorrow. Sibal described the movement as an expression of public anger, noting that many voters already view CEC Gyanesh Kumar as effectively impeached. The impeachment motion will be debated in the Rajya Sabha at 10 am tomorrow, with opposition leaders urging a swift vote.
Political analysts warn that Rijiju’s remarks could further polarise the already fraught parliamentary atmosphere. BJP spokesperson Anil Kumar defended the minister’s comments, stating that the party is focused on maintaining law and order. Meanwhile, opposition figures have called for a more constructive dialogue on electoral reforms.
Outside the corridors of power, a group of 35 protestors gathered at Ramlila Maidan earlier this week, chanting slogans against perceived voter suppression. They lament that the government’s rhetoric is undermining democratic norms, a sentiment echoed by Sibal’s impassioned call for accountability.