Defence minister Rajnath Singh and Leader of the Rajya Sabha and cabinet minister Piyush Goyal led the government’s offensive against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday, demanding his apology in Parliament for his remarks made overseas on Indian democracy and Parliament. The BJP’s calibrated attack countered the Opposition’s plan to protest over rising prices and push for a joint parliamentary committee to investigate the Adani-Hindenburg issue.
With the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha being adjourned for the day amid protests from both sides, some leaders said it is uncertain whether any work will get done in Parliament over the next few days.
Both Houses erupted in protests on Monday when the Budget Session resumed. In the Rajya Sabha, Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge couldn’t finish his speech and in the Lok Sabha, Congress floor leader Adhir Chowdhury didn’t even get an opportunity to speak, triggering further disruptions. Later, Chowdhury and DMK’s TR Balu walked out of the Business Advisory Committee meeting in protest.
In the Lok Sabha, defence minister Rajnath Singh said, “Rahul Gandhi, who is a member of this House, insulted India in London. I demand that his statements should be condemned by all members of this House (Lok Sabha) and he should be asked to apologise before the House.”
During an interaction at Cambridge University, Gandhi said that Indian democracy is under attack and several politicians, including himself, are under surveillance. His speech mentioned capture and control of media and judiciary; surveillance and intimidation; coercion by federal law enforcement agencies; attacks on minorities, Dalits and tribals; and the choking of dissent. Gandhi also alleged that often, the microphones could not be switched on when he wanted to speak in Parliament.
This story is from the March 14, 2023 edition of Hindustan Times.
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This story is from the March 14, 2023 edition of Hindustan Times.
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