New Delhi, Feb 10 (NationPress) Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju unleashed a pointed criticism against the Congress party regarding the disruption of Lok Sabha proceedings on February 4. This incident occurred when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was about to respond to the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address, with Rijiju alleging that Congress women MPs instigated turmoil within the House.

Earlier today, Rijiju circulated a video that purportedly documented the events during the session.

While addressing the media and referencing the video, Rijiju stated, "BJP and NDA MPs are extremely upset and enraged due to the actions of Congress MPs who climbed on tables, and because Congress women MPs moved towards the Treasury benches, even crossing in front of the Prime Minister's seat and advancing to the second row."

He added, "Our women BJP MPs were ready to confront them in anger, but we encouraged them to maintain composure. We advised all female MPs that Congress's conduct is unacceptable, and that we should respond with restraint and avoid physical altercations."

Rijiju emphasized that the situation could have deteriorated had BJP MPs reacted in a similar manner.

"Just envision if we had permitted our BJP women MPs to advance; it could have escalated. We have a majority as well. Our women MPs sought permission to confront the five to six Congress women MPs who approached our Treasury Benches; however, we instructed them that this behavior contradicts parliamentary tradition and undermines its dignity," Rijiju elaborated.

This statement follows a letter from the Congress women MPs to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, expressing strong disapproval of what they termed as "serious allegations" against them for "threatening or attempting to obstruct" Prime Minister Modi on February 4. Nonetheless, Congress dismissed these claims, asserting that the Prime Minister was "too fearful to address" the House.

The video revealed Congress women MPs, brandishing banners and placards, surrounding the Prime Minister's designated seat. Consequently, the Prime Minister's planned response to the Motion of Thanks was cancelled.

Continuing his diatribe, Rijiju remarked, "The Congress party has no connection to parliamentary traditions and preserving its dignity. Most notably, they are celebrating this on their social media, claiming their women MPs 'intimidated' the PM. How disgraceful for the party to make such a statement?... Our women MPs have raised their concerns by writing to the Speaker."

He further accused Rahul Gandhi and the Congress leadership of orchestrating the protest, alleging they deliberately sent women MPs forward with banners to advance towards the Prime Minister's seat.

"We exercised restraint and prevented our MPs from engaging. We constantly advise our MPs against descending into physical confrontations with others. Yet, they were sending their MPs forward. The video I shared today clearly illustrates how Congress MPs approached the PM's seat. The entire Congress party and Rahul Gandhi owe an apology for this," he insisted.

Questioning the Opposition's conduct, Rijiju declared, "How can Parliament function when parliamentarians are sent forward for a free-for-all? Is this how Parliament is meant to operate? Does Congress adhere to any rules? I never anticipated that Congress would stoop to such lows."

The controversy ignited after Speaker Birla indicated he had received warnings suggesting opposition MPs might engage in "unexpected actions," leading him to adjourn the House to avert unpleasantness in what he referred to as the temple of democracy.

As the clock neared 5 p.m. on February 4, members were poised for the Prime Minister to arrive in the Lok Sabha and commence his address.

However, protests persisted within the House, during which approximately eight to nine women MPs from the Opposition reportedly encircled the Prime Minister's designated seat. Among those identified were Geniben Thakor, Varsha Gaikwad, Jyotimati, R. Sudha, K. Kavya, and Shobha Bachhav. This was apparent in the video shared by Rijiju.