Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of speaking “nonsense” to attract media attention, asserting that such tactics will not convert into votes. “In any election, people support those who work in the national interest. Rahul Gandhi speaks anaap shanaap (nonsense) to grab headlines. This will not convert into a vote bank,” Rijiju maintained.
The Union minister further criticised the opposition for indulging in what he described as “anti-national” activities, particularly their attacks on democracy and constitutional institutions, including the Supreme Court and the Election Commission of India (ECI).
“Had I been in his place, I would have asked questions of national interest to the government. The BJP will not always remain in power. They ran the country for 60 years, then we had the chance. We have had very little time,” he added.
The minister emphasised that Congress would not be returned to power if it continued its confrontational approach. “The people gave us a chance to run the government. The Congress will also have an opportunity if it refrains from attacking constitutional institutions, including the courts and the Election Commission. The way they do anti-national activities, attack the democracy, the people of the country will never bring Congress to power,” he said.
On the controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar ahead of the assembly elections, Rijiju alleged that Congress and its allies were apologising for errors in the Maharashtra voter data after suffering defeat in the state polls. “The Congress and its allies lost badly in the Maharashtra elections.
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They requested that the Election Commission conduct a voter revision and that false names be removed. They demanded it. The Maharashtra data proved to be wrong, and the ones who published the data are apologising. Now, someone has given Rahul Gandhi a note on what to speak. He got lost while talking,” he claimed.
Rijiju also dismissed criticisms of Rahul Gandhi’s public speaking, noting that other Congress members capable of debate should be allowed to participate. “If Rahul Gandhi cannot speak or he does not know how to speak, that does not mean that others should also not be allowed to speak. With folded hands, we have requested the Congress party to participate in the discussion. There are many members of Congress who can speak well and are also knowledgeable. They will face issues if I name anyone... If Rahul Gandhi cannot speak or he does not know how to speak, that does not mean that others should also not be allowed to speak,” he said.
The minister recounted efforts during the monsoon session to ensure discussions proceeded in Parliament despite continuous disruptions by the opposition. “Mera gala bhi baith gaya dekho. Opposition ko chilla chilla ke mai anurodh karta hoon ki behas hone dijiye. (My throat got sore, I repeatedly urged opposition to allow discussion),” he said.
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