New Delhi, February 12 (IANS). Once again a heated argument was witnessed between the ruling party and the opposition in Parliament on Thursday. The political atmosphere has heated up regarding the recent statement of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, alleged trade deal, new labor code and privilege motion. Leaders of Congress, Samajwadi Party and other opposition parties have raised serious questions on the policies of the government.
Taking aim at the BJP, SP MP Dimple Yadav said, “We are constantly saying that under this trade deal, agricultural products will come to India with zero import duty. This can prove to be very fatal for our farmers and youth. The government’s policies can weaken the domestic agricultural market.”
On the news of Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju filing a breach of privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi, Dimple Yadav said that this step is an attempt to divert people’s attention from the real issues. According to him, the government wants to avoid questions arising on the trade deal.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, “We did not abuse anyone. Some MPs were angry and expressed their displeasure. To say that I was encouraging them is a lie. I sat quietly and finally spoke to the Speaker peacefully.”
Congress MP Ranjit Ranjan supported Rahul Gandhi’s statement and said that the government only counter-attacks instead of accepting criticism.
He said, “When their mistakes are pointed out, they only defend themselves. You have been in the government for 11 years and Rahul Gandhi is asking you whether the country’s special security, our farmers, our energy and the country’s data are safe or not. The kind of deal you have, it does not seem safe.”
Commenting on the behavior of the Finance Minister, Ranjan also said that the country does not run on anger, rather debate and discussion strengthen democracy.
Congress leader Rajiv Shukla also targeted the government and said that former Prime Ministers have contributed in building the country. He said, “Former Prime Ministers Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi built the country, not sold it. Today the mobile, computer and IT sectors are the contribution of Rajiv Gandhi.”
MP Rajiv Rai took a jibe at the discussions on the privilege motion and said that the ruling party honors its leaders, but the talk of action against opposition MPs quickly arises. He criticized the new labor code, alleging that the government was making laws in the interest of industrialists, while farmers, laborers and the unemployed were being ignored.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also expressed concern about the trade deal. He said, “Farmers’ rights, small traders’ rights and many other issues have been compromised in this deal, that is why the opposition is creating ruckus. Those who talk about developed India are taking the country in an underdeveloped direction.”
Senior Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav supported the nationwide strike called by trade unions against the new labor code and the Vikas Bharat-Ji Ram Ji scheme, saying the scheme is against the interests of the common people. He alleged, “These bills are being brought to create bonded laborers and the government is continuously working to suppress the voice of the common people.”
–IANS
SAK/DKP