Why is the Opposition Silenced While Govt Members Speak?, Asserts Rahul Gandhi
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Synopsis
In a fiery session at the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition, voiced his frustration over the consistent sidelining of the Opposition's voice in Parliament. He highlighted the ongoing disruptions during discussions on critical issues like national security and the Pahalgam attack, raising questions about democratic practices.
Key Takeaways
- Rahul Gandhi emphasized the importance of allowing the Opposition to speak in Parliament.
- Government members are often given more room to express their views.
- The Monsoon Session has seen significant disruptions due to ongoing protests.
- Defence Minister assured readiness for discussions on national security.
- The need for a balanced representation in parliamentary discussions is crucial for democracy.
New Delhi, July 21 (NationPress) Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, expressed concerns on Monday regarding the frequent denial of speaking opportunities for the Opposition in Parliament, while government members are granted such chances. His comments were made during a day marked by significant disruptions in the Monsoon Session of the Lok Sabha, with the House adjourning twice—first until noon, and then again until 2 p.m.—due to ongoing protests from the Opposition, who demanded urgent discussions on Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack.
Despite the chaos, government officials maintained their openness to engage in discussions on the issues raised by the Opposition. However, when the uproar persisted post-resumption of proceedings, Jagdambika Pal, presiding in Om Birla's absence, had no choice but to adjourn the session once more until 2 p.m.
Addressing reporters, the LoP stated, “In the House, the Defence Minister has the floor; their representatives (from the ruling BJP-led NDA) are permitted to speak, yet when the Opposition wishes to contribute, we are silenced. As the Leader of the Opposition, it is my rightful duty to speak, yet I am consistently denied this opportunity.”
He further emphasized, “A discussion will occur if they permit it. The convention dictates that if government members are allowed to speak, we should also receive our share of the discourse. We simply wish to express a few words, but the Opposition is being systematically silenced.”
Earlier that day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reassured the House of the government's readiness for an in-depth debate on national security issues, including the Pahalgam attack. “I assure the parliamentarians that we are fully prepared for any discussions on security matters, regardless of duration, whenever the Speaker allocates the time,” Singh stated, responding to Opposition MPs who were questioning Prime Minister Modi’s absence from the House amid calls for discussions on the Pahalgam terror attack.
Nevertheless, the Opposition continued to disrupt proceedings in the House.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the importance of a balanced dialogue in Parliament. The concerns raised by Rahul Gandhi reflect a broader issue of representation and accountability. A functioning democracy thrives on diverse voices, and ensuring that all perspectives are heard is essential for the health of our political system.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Rahul Gandhi claim about the Opposition's voice in Parliament?
Rahul Gandhi claimed that the Opposition is frequently denied the chance to express their views, while government members have ample opportunities to speak.
What was the reason for the disruptions in the Lok Sabha?
The disruptions were caused by the Opposition's demands for a discussion on critical issues like Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack.
What did Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assure regarding discussions on national security?
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assured that the government is fully prepared for a detailed debate on national security matters whenever the time is allotted by the Speaker.
