What is a Substantive Motion, under which BJP MP is seeking Rahul Gandhi’s disqualification

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Thursday (February 12, 2026) said he has given a notice to initiate a ‘substantive motion’ against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and demanded that his Lok Sabha membership be cancelled and he be debarred from contesting elections for life.

“No privilege motion notice. I have given a substantive motion notice where in I have mentioned how he visits Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia with Soros Foundation, Ford Foundation and USAID, and colludes with anti-India forces,” Mr. Dubey alleged.

The BJP MP demanded that the “Lok Sabha membership of Mr. Gandhi be cancelled and he be debarred from contesting elections for life”.

What is Substantive Motion?

A motion in parliamentary terms is an official suggestion made by a member of the House requesting that the House take a specific action, implement an order, or express an opinion on a particular issue. It is crafted to reflect a decision that the House can adopt.

A substantive motion is an independent proposal submitted to the House for approval, structured to communicate a decision effectively. Examples include resolutions and motions for the appointment of the Deputy Chairman in the Rajya Sabha, as well as the Motion of Thanks regarding the President’s Address. Discussions about the conduct of individuals in high positions must also be initiated through appropriate substantive motions.

What are the ramifications?

In the notice for a substantive motion aimed at Mr. Gandhi, Mr. Dubey seeks not only the cancellation of the Congress leader’s Lok Sabha membership but also a lifetime ban on him from contesting elections. This move, particularly in the context of the upcoming elections, is expected to intensify the political rivalry between the two parties.

In his allegations, Mr. Dubey cited Gandhi’s alleged visits to Southeast Asian countries, specifically Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, while claiming that these trips were made in association with organisations such as the Soros Foundation, Ford Foundation, and USAID.

Mr. Dubey’s claims these visits amount to collusion with “anti-India forces,” portraying Mr. Gandhi as someone who is undermining national interests by engaging with international entities that are perceived to be critical of India or its government.

If the motion is accepted, the Lok Sabha will need to engage in a formal debate and make a decision regarding the issue. Currently, the next steps are entirely at the discretion of Speaker Om Birla, who can either accept or reject the motion or choose an alternative path according to the rules.

Congress’s reaction

Congress general secretary K. C. Venugopal hit back saying, “We are not bothered about any motions and if you want to hang us, we are ready for that also.”

He slammed the government over certain remarks made by Mr. Gandhi in the House being expunged on Wednesday. He said questions were asked on why “we took an extreme position” to submit a notice for the removal of the Lok Sabha Speaker. “The answer to that is we have not been getting justice from the Chair,” he said.

Asked about the BJP’s action against Mr. Gandhi’s remarks in the Lok Sabha during the discussion on the Budget, Mr. Venugopal said, “Which privilege has Rahul Gandhi broken? They removed his membership last time. What happened afterwards was that people ensured his victory with more votes compared to that of Modi ji…”

(With PTI inputs)