New Delhi: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, declined to comment on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sharp criticism of the Congress and other Opposition parties ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament. However, his sister and Wayanad MP, Priyanka Gandhi, delivered a pointed response.
Reacting to the Prime Minister’s accusation that the Opposition disrupts Parliament, Priyanka Gandhi said issues like the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists and rising air pollution directly impact the public and must be discussed. “What is Parliament for? It’s not drama. Raising issues that matter to the people is not drama. The real drama is blocking democratic discussions,” she said.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi took indirect jabs at the Opposition, expressing hope that Parliament would not witness a “meltdown” following the Opposition bloc’s defeat in the Bihar elections. “There are many places to do drama. Those who want to do it should do it elsewhere. There should be no drama here; only delivery,” he said, referring to protests and unruly scenes in the Houses.
The Prime Minister urged political leaders to limit “negativity” and focus on nation-building. He alleged that some Opposition-led states face such strong anti-incumbency that their leaders avoid facing the public. “That is why all their anger is brought into Parliament. Some parties have started a new tradition of using Parliament this way,” he remarked.
Modi added that these tactics were proving ineffective and suggested he was “ready to give tips” to the Opposition on how to function more constructively. “Allow MPs to speak. Don’t sacrifice your MPs because of your disappointment and defeat,” he said.
The Winter Session, which began today, will run until December 19 and includes 15 sittings. The government is expected to introduce 13 Bills, while the Opposition is set to mount pressure on issues including the SIR process of voter list revision.
