Rijiju Critiques Rahul's Conduct Amid No-Confidence Motion Against Speaker
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, March 10 (NationPress) In a recent debate, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju scrutinized the ethics of the Opposition for proposing a no-confidence motion against the Lok Sabha Speaker. He took aim at Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for his behavior in the House, referencing past moments where he has embraced the Prime Minister and winked at fellow MPs in Parliament.
Rijiju emphasized that during the initial session of the Budget Session, Gandhi asserted that he could speak freely without needing anyone's approval.
“This kind of behavior is unacceptable. There are many experienced members in the party who should guide him, yet they complain that Rahul's microphone is being turned off to silence him,” Rijiju commented.
In reference to Gandhi's informal address to the chair as 'yaar', the Union Minister stated that the Speaker serves as the guardian of the House and should not be subjected to such casual remarks.
Rijiju further pointed out that all members of the House are obligated to adhere to established rules, and no one should see themselves as above parliamentary protocol.
“When someone believes they are above all else, it is necessary to call them out,” he remarked, clearly referring to Rahul Gandhi.
He also recalled an incident from 2018 when Rahul winked in the House, stating, “I have never encountered a leader who hugs the Prime Minister and then winks at fellow party members.”
Rijiju's mention of 'smiling' Priyanka Gandhi drew significant attention, as he suggested she might be a better fit than Rahul for the Leader of Opposition role.
“She spends more time in the House, is more approachable, and could handle the role more effectively,” he noted while Priyanka listened with a smile, prompting laughter from the treasury benches.
In defense of the Speaker's interventions, he said the Speaker aims to discipline 'undisciplined and unruly' MPs, akin to how parents correct their children at home. However, some individuals remain obstinate and disregard the Chair.
Rijiju concluded by asserting that the motion against the Speaker was a calculated move by the Opposition to undermine constitutional bodies.