Gogoi Accuses Modi of Stifling Debate in Parliament
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "hijacking" the Parliament during the Winter Session. He alleges that the government is unwilling to discuss critical issues like the Indian election system.
Opposition Seeks Discussion on Electoral System
Gogoi stated that opposition parties requested a discussion on the Indian election system during a meeting of floor leaders. However, he claims the BJP is refusing to include the discussion on the Parliament's agenda.
According to Gogoi, political parties want the Parliament to address the concerns of both the ruling party and the opposition. He expressed his concerns in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter:
โPrime Minister Modi has hijacked the Parliament of India. The Prime Minister does not want to be held accountable to any of the major issues raised by the political parties.โ
Congress Willing to Cooperate, But Demands Reciprocity
Ahead of the session, Gogoi told ANI that the Congress party is willing to cooperate with the government on passing bills. However, he emphasized the need for the government to also address issues raised by the opposition.
Gogoi stated:
โThe Congress party and the opposition parties are willing to cooperate with the government on all bills that this government wants to pass in this session. Our only request is that if we are cooperating on all bills brought by the government, allow us to raise certain issues, and the government should also accommodate certain issues of the opposition in the agenda of discussion. But we are seeing that the government only wants to pass their bills and has no space to accommodate the issues raised by the opposition. That is not how parliamentary democracy functions.โ
He added, "If the government is willing to take up an issue of the opposition, let them publish that agenda item in the business. They say one thing, but they don't walk the talk. That is the problem."
Adjournment Motion and Priyanka Gandhi's Criticism
Gogoi has also moved an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha seeking a debate on electoral roll vulnerabilities.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra echoed these sentiments, stating that the government is unwilling to discuss any issues. She questioned how the House could function effectively without discussion.
Priyanka further commented on Prime Minister Modi's advice to "enjoy the weather," suggesting he should pay more attention to the issues facing the country.
PM Modi's Response
Prior to the Parliament session, Prime Minister Modi took a swipe at the Opposition bloc, stating that "whoever wants to do drama can do it. There should be delivery here and not drama...the emphasis should be on policy, not slogans."
