Here's why Rahul Gandhi didn't open debate on no-confidence motion

In a surprising turn of events, Congress decided to open the debate on no-confidence motion with Gaurav Gogoi instead of earlier speculations that reinstated MP Rahul Gandhi will open the debate in Lok Sabha. Rahul Gandhi's decision to withhold the discussion left both the Congress bloc and alliance partners baffled. This suprising move, just after restoration of his LS membership, was an on-the-fly adjustment in response to the BJP's suspected ploy to disrupt his comeback speech.

Insiders revealed that Congress leadership detected two significant gaps as the day's proceedings kicked off. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the expected focus of Rahul's criticisms, was conspicuously absent from the House in the lead-up to the debate. This unexpected absence, even from his Parliament office, forced Congress strategists into a reevaluation of their plan. Adding to this, Congress received information that the second speaker in the debate would be BJP's Godda MP, Nishikant Dubey - a fact interpreted as an attempt to muddy the waters, considering Dubey's contentious history with the Congress and the Gandhis.

Despite the Congress's tight-lipped approach, sources told ToI that Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury inadvertently hinted at the situation by retorting to BJP members with the phrase, "Congress has bowled a googly."


While the precise plan remains veiled, it is speculated that Rahul might make his intervention on either the second or third day of discussions. Adding a layer of complexity, he is slated to address a rally in Rajasthan on August 9. This event, marking the initiation of Congress's campaign in the upcoming state elections, could also keep him away from participating in the second day of debates on the motion.