New Delhi, Feb 12 (NationPress) Congress MP K.C. Venugopal launched a stinging critique of the Narendra Modi-led Central government on Thursday, accusing it of avoiding the inquiries posed by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in Parliament and claiming that the government seeks to silence Opposition voices.

Venugopal challenged the Treasury benches to address Rahul Gandhi’s address, stating: "If they have any rebuttal to Rahul Gandhi’s speech, I urge them to present it. The Opposition raised significant and relevant concerns during yesterday’s speech. Yet, (Finance Minister) Nirmala Sitharaman remained completely silent on the questions posed by Rahul Gandhi. If they possess the courage, they should respond directly to his inquiries."

He asserted that rather than tackling the pressing issues, the government is diverting attention. "There has been no response from their end, only distractions. If they have a legitimate reply, then they should respond to Rahul Gandhi’s points. Their tactics reveal their lack of answers," he expressed.

Venugopal further accused the government of compromising national interests in its engagements with the United States. "They have entirely surrendered India’s interests to the US. Just as the Indian rupee has depreciated against the US dollar, India’s interests have also been sacrificed," he claimed.

Regarding the Opposition’s choice to introduce a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Venugopal remarked that it was an extreme measure taken after numerous complaints went ignored.

"Why did we resort to the drastic action of moving a no-confidence motion against the Speaker? Because we have been persistently asserting that we are not receiving justice from the Chair. The government pressures the Chair and dismisses Opposition voices. We are not permitted to raise issues, yet they can. There are double standards; Rahul’s statements are expunged, while Nirmala’s comments go unchallenged," he noted.

He charged that Parliament operates in a manner that favors the government. "Parliament should serve the populace, not just the government. Yet, it seems to function solely for the government. We are prepared for anything; we will consistently advocate for the truth on behalf of the people of this nation," he stated.

Responding to the government’s alleged intention to introduce a privilege motion against Rahul Gandhi, Venugopal dismissed it as mere theatricality.

"Which privilege? They can propose any motion against him. Previously, they attempted to expel him from membership. What was the outcome? The public re-elected him with an even larger mandate. Compare the votes of Varanasi and Rae Bareli; after being ousted from Parliament, he was re-elected with a greater majority. We are unfazed by this privilege motion or any other action," he asserted.

In a powerful statement, he added: "If you wish to punish us, go ahead — we are ready for that too. Because in this Parliament, speaking the truth has become a transgression. Nevertheless, we will persist in voicing the truth in Parliament for the people of this nation."

These remarks arise amid rising tensions between the government and the Opposition regarding House proceedings, including the expunction of statements and alleged procedural bias.