Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s approach towards parliamentary debates, saying the Prime Minister speaks only when the Leader of the Opposition (LOP) in the Lok Sabha initiates the discussion.
Ramesh expressed disappointment that the opposition’s inability to speak would render the debates meaningless and accused Prime Minister Modi of using parliamentary sessions to make election speeches and defame historical figures like Pandit Nehru.
Ramesh said, “PM Modi will speak only when the opposition representatives in the Lok Sabha speak. If the opposition representatives in the Lok Sabha cannot speak, then there is no point in having a debate… Prime Minister Narendra Modi responds to the debate, but it is the opposition representatives in the Lok Sabha who initiate the debate… We know that PM Modi will give election speeches, defame Pandit Nehru and Congress.”
Ramesh’s comments come amid ongoing tension between the ruling BJP and opposition parties over parliamentary procedures and time allocation for debates. The Congress party has been vocal in ensuring the opposition representative has a role in initiating debates and setting the agenda.
Meanwhile, Congress MPs gathered at party president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence to discuss strategy for the ongoing parliamentary session. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh has alleged that Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi is being deliberately silenced and prevented from speaking for three days as he raises sensitive issues related to national security.
Ramesh condemned the derogatory statements of BJP MPs against Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi and demanded action against them. Opposition party leaders will hold a meeting tomorrow in the chamber of Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Kharge and decide their strategy.
He said “Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi is not being allowed to speak in Parliament for three days… He is being deliberately prevented from speaking because he is raising very sensitive issues related to the security of the nation… Tomorrow at 10 am, leaders of all opposition parties will meet in the chamber of Rajya Sabha opposition leader and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and decide the strategy for the coming days… We will take action against Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi given by the BJP MPs. Condemn the derogatory statements and action should be taken against them…”.