Pramod Tiwari Accuses BJP of Stifling Free Speech in Parliament

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Pramod Tiwari criticizes BJP for free speech suppression.
- BJP accused of obstructing Rahul Gandhi's criticism.
- Speaker Om Birla urges adherence to parliamentary decorum.
- Tiwari condemns divisive statements from government officials.
- Calls for unity among Hindus and Muslims in Sambhal.
New Delhi, March 27 (NationPress) Congress leader Pramod Tiwari has vehemently condemned the BJP for intentionally stifling free speech, particularly the right of Opposition leaders, including Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, to express themselves in Parliament.
Tiwari charged the BJP with misusing its authority to hinder LoP Rahul Gandhi's efforts to critique the government.
He commented, “The entire nation observes that whenever Rahul Gandhi rises to speak and challenge the government's policies, the cameras are redirected, and the microphone is muted. His right to free expression is being systematically curtailed by the ruling party, which undermines democracy. I would characterize the BJP government as dictatorial.”
Tiwari's remarks follow a recent episode where LoP Gandhi was reportedly denied the opportunity to speak in the Lok Sabha, despite his attempts to address concerns regarding government policies.
Rahul Gandhi mentioned that each time he attempted to voice his opposition, his efforts were obstructed, with proceedings being halted to silence him.
Previously, Speaker Om Birla had urged LoP Gandhi to adhere to the decorum of the House, emphasizing that certain actions were not consistent with parliamentary standards.
In addition to his comments on Rahul Gandhi's treatment, Tiwari also responded to a controversial statement made by Anuj Chaudhary, the Circle Officer of Sambhal.
During a peace committee meeting in Sambhal, Circle Officer Anuj Chaudhary remarked, "If you want to serve Eid's sevaiyan, you will have to eat gujia too..."
Tiwari denounced the statement, accusing the BJP of deliberately making such remarks to incite unnecessary divisions.
He stated, “Such comments are intentionally made to provoke a reaction. Who consumes gujiya or sevaiyan? Should that be determined by someone else? Can an official dictate that? They speak without jurisdiction, but they have the government’s support, which is why they make such statements.”
Tiwari called on the people of Sambhal, both Hindus and Muslims, to unite and preserve peace, stressing that these issues are fabricated by the BJP to distract from its own shortcomings.
He stated, “We all—Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians—must unite, maintain peace, and thwart the BJP's conspiracy.”