Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday came down heavily on Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, accusing them of treating the Lok Sabha as their “personal drawing room” and running away from meaningful discussion on the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session.
Speaking to mediapersons shortly after the House was adjourned twice following Opposition protests, Pradhan launched a scathing attack, asserting that Parliament cannot function at the whim of any individual.
“We want to run the House… This is not the personal drawing room of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi,” said the senior BJP leader. “Everyone will have to stay within the rules. They are themselves running away from the discussion, because they are more interested in supporting Pakistan. They are more interested in helping the opposition forces of India. That is why they do not want to speak in the Parliament responsibly. They can hold discussions on any topic, it will be answered,” he added.
The House witnessed disruption shortly after proceedings began, with the Congress and other INDIA bloc parties demanding discussions on several issues, including the Pahalgam terror attack and alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.
Also read: 'Was gagged', says Rahul Gandhi, as Parliament opens in chaos
Rahul Gandhi, who now holds the position of Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, accused the government of selectively silencing Opposition voices. “The question is, the Defence Minister is allowed to speak in the House, but Opposition members, including me, who is the LoP, are not allowed to speak… This is a new approach,” he said. “The convention states that if people from the government side can speak, then we should also be given space to speak.”
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also criticised the Treasury benches for stifling debate. Referring to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju’s remarks on Operation Sindoor, she said, “If they (the government) are ready for discussion, they should let the Leader of the Opposition speak. He stood up to speak, so he should be allowed to speak.”
Opposition members claimed they had submitted adjournment notices to raise key matters, but these were summarily rejected by the Chair. The Congress and its allies have identified eight major issues they intend to pursue this session.
The session’s start thus marked yet another flashpoint between the ruling party and the Opposition, threatening to derail parliamentary business at a time when key Bills, including those related to defence procurement and taxation reforms, await consideration.
Follow us
