Does LoP Gandhi Start His Day with Insults to PM Modi?

New Delhi, Sep 2 (NationPress) The Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, expressed his disapproval on Tuesday regarding the derogatory remarks directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Congress members during the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra'. He criticized the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, stating that he starts his day by insulting the Prime Minister, setting a negative example for his followers.

In an exclusive interview with IANS, Minister Rijiju accused the Opposition of disrupting the Monsoon Session of Parliament, claiming that the current LoP is incapable of facilitating constructive dialogues within the House.

Rijiju also touched upon the recent 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' led by LoP Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, the issue of Bangladeshi infiltrators, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's role in the Operation Sindoor Outreach initiative, and the Election Commission of India (ECI)'s Special Intensive Review (SIR) of the Bihar voter list.

IANS: Congress and RJD activists were seen verbally attacking PM Modi during the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra'. Even in the absence of LoP Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav, do you believe this occurred under their direction?

Kiren Rijiju: The repeated abuse directed at PM Modi, including targeting his late mother, is utterly deplorable and goes against our cultural values. In India, we do not condone such language towards anyone's family. I find it hard to find words strong enough to condemn this behavior.

LoP Gandhi starts his day with insults towards PM Modi. Just observe the language he employs. If he behaves in this manner, it’s natural for his supporters to mimic his actions.

PM Modi has been the longest-serving head of government (including his time as Chief Minister). In contrast, Rahul Gandhi lacks experience and resorts to derogatory language against the Prime Minister. It’s unfathomable how someone can lower themselves to such depths. This is detrimental for our country, and the populace will not tolerate it.

IANS: The 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill was presented, but the Opposition caused a stir in Parliament, even tearing the Bill while Home Minister Amit Shah was discussing it. What’s your take?

Kiren Rijiju: We expect every MP to engage in constructive discussions and address issues pertinent to their constituencies. However, the Opposition obstructs this process. I hold the leadership of the Opposition parties accountable for this, as their MPs genuinely wish to raise their constituency concerns. The practice of disrupting proceedings with derogatory remarks and slogans has become a routine for them.

Leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Lal Krishna Advani, and Sushma Swaraj have previously served as LoP and conducted their duties admirably; however, the current LoP is not equipped for this role. If he wants to guide his MPs in raising slogans, they can do so elsewhere. Parliament is meant for discussions.

The Bill is highly beneficial for the nation. If an individual, whether the PM, CM, or any minister, is found corrupt, they will face 30 days in jail without bail and will have to relinquish their position. Furthermore, a Bill on online gaming has also been enacted to protect youth from falling into the pitfalls of gambling.

These reforms are advantageous for our country’s citizens. Since Independence, significant reforms in the Income Tax Bill have been initiated. Unfortunately, productive discussions have been stifled due to the chaos instigated by the Opposition. Regrettably, the Leader of the Opposition appears to be oblivious to this.

IANS: The 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' recently took place in Bihar. The Mahagathbandhan has yet to declare its chief ministerial candidate. Do you think LoP Gandhi is still indecisive about selecting Tejashwi Yadav as the CM candidate?

Kiren Rijiju: Rahul Gandhi hails from a privileged background, and Tejashwi Yadav is relying on his father’s name to attract votes. Together, I doubt they can effectuate any genuine change in Bihar. Their focus on appealing to a specific community will not yield electoral success.

As the Union Minister for Minority Affairs, I urge the Muslim voters to recognize that Rahul Gandhi and his associates are treating Muslims merely as a vote bank. During this Bihar yatra, the entire Muslim community participated, while individuals from other communities stayed away.

By misleading and enticing the Muslim community, they drew them into the Yatra. I want to convey to Muslims that, from my perspective in the Minority Affairs Ministry, if Muslims in this country are impoverished, it is due to the Congress. PM Modi is genuinely working towards their upliftment. The misleading statements from LoP Gandhi are most detrimental to the Muslim community.

I encourage the Muslim community not to serve as the vote bank for Congress and its allies. They are exploiting the community, which is neither beneficial for them nor for the nation.

IANS: If the Congress purports to be a well-wisher of Muslims, should it nominate a Muslim as its CM candidate in Bihar?

Kiren Rijiju: It’s incorrect to assert that Muslims have the primary right to the nation’s resources. The primary right should belong to the underprivileged, those who need it the most. Claiming that Muslims have the first right is misguided. Moreover, the poverty experienced by Muslims has been perpetuated by the Congress itself. They merely seek to manipulate people to secure votes.

IANS: Following 'Operation Sindoor', Congress MP Shashi Tharoor was chosen to lead the Indian delegation for the outreach program. Since then, Congress has consistently criticized Tharoor. What’s your response?

Kiren Rijiju: The Congress has several capable leaders, including Shashi Tharoor, who genuinely care for the country. From my experience, there are many MPs in the Congress and other parties with valuable ideas for the nation, but they hesitate to voice them in front of their leaders. Shashi Tharoor occasionally speaks out but then faces backlash from within the Congress, which is unacceptable.

IANS: Why do you think the Opposition consistently opposes SIR and disrupts Parliamentary proceedings daily?

Kiren Rijiju: Do not underestimate LoP Rahul Gandhi; his actions are not foolish but rather part of a calculated strategy. Although some refer to him as 'Pappu', this label was coined by senior members of the AICC, not by us. I do not perceive Rahul Gandhi as foolish.

I believe anti-national elements have influenced LoP Rahul Gandhi to criticize the judiciary and the Election Commission while accusing the Centre of corruption. Rahul Gandhi is fully aware of this; he is not naive. He is entangled in a well-orchestrated conspiracy.

However, under PM Modi’s leadership, nobody can obstruct the nation’s progress. The citizens are rallying behind the Prime Minister as the country thrives under his governance… The public recognizes that those who resort to derogatory language cannot lead the nation.

IANS: US President Donald Trump has labeled the Indian economy as 'dead.' Following this, LoP Gandhi also criticized the government regarding this. What is your perspective?

Kiren Rijiju: Both Donald Trump and Rahul Gandhi have referred to the Indian economy as 'dead', but they are not alone in this sentiment. Some individuals create YouTube channels to proclaim that India is finished, that democracy is over. These individuals seem to band together. While I don’t regularly watch YouTube, I occasionally come across clips.

Nevertheless, PM Modi has demonstrated to the world that the Indian economy is secure and flourishing... India is achieving a GDP growth of 7.8% during this global downturn, showcasing how effectively the Government of India, under PM Modi’s leadership, is managing the economy and propelling the nation forward.

IANS: As the Minister of Minority Affairs, do you believe that madrasas hold relevance in contemporary times?

Kiren Rijiju: If madrasas incorporate modern education, it constitutes a positive advancement. While religious education is essential, it should be complemented with modern learning. In the present era, students must acquire employment skills and scientific knowledge through a contemporary curriculum. Solely imparting religious teachings may foster fundamentalist ideologies from a young age.

IANS: The BJP accuses Congress of facilitating the settlement of Bangladeshis and infiltrators in the North East. What is your viewpoint on this?

Kiren Rijiju: The Congress has indeed, either directly or indirectly, permitted Bangladeshis to settle illegally in the North East. However, under PM Modi’s leadership, we will never allow such infiltration; they will not find a place in our voter lists or national citizenship registration.

IANS: Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that the CISF was summoned to the House to prevent Opposition MPs from protesting.

Kiren Rijiju: That cannot be accurate. CISF cannot enter the Parliament; it operates on regulations. Mallikarjun Kharge is a senior member, and he knows that only Marshals can enter. Such baseless accusations yield no advantage.

IANS: During the discussion on 'Operation Mahadev', the Opposition raised inquiries. What do you have to say?

Kiren Rijiju: When 'Operation Mahadev' was discussed, the entire nation was elated; however, Congress leaders remained silent. Our forces eliminated those terrorists, and the entire Parliament should have expressed gratitude to the forces and encouraged them further. Unfortunately, Congress did not do so and chose to remain seated in silence.

When Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla returned to India, a Congress leader remarked that Shukla achieved nothing exceptional since anyone could go to space by paying for it. This reflects the Congress party’s mindset.

IANS: PM Modi participated in the SCO Summit and held discussions with China and Russia. Do you believe this has improved India’s standing on the international stage?

Kiren Rijiju: PM Modi is acknowledged by leaders worldwide. In today's era, he stands out among the most senior statesmen globally. While many can win elections and become leaders or even Prime Ministers, PM Modi is recognized as a global visionary statesman.

IANS: LoP Gandhi repeatedly calls for the arrest of Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma. What’s your response?

Kiren Rijiju: Himanta Biswa Sarma spent years in Congress and collaborated closely with Rahul Gandhi. After Sarma departed from Congress, he revealed Gandhi’s incompetence and political inadequacy. This is why he is upset with the Chief Minister of Assam.