New Delhi: The NDA on Tuesday strongly criticized Rahul Gandhi over the no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accusing the Congress leader of undermining democratic institutions because he cannot lead his party to electoral victory.
Rahul Gandhi’s Leadership Questioned
Rijiju claimed Priyanka Gandhi Vadra would have been a better choice to lead the Congress and accused Rahul of seeking foreign intervention to address perceived threats to India’s democracy. He further alleged that at least 50 opposition MPs privately expressed concerns about Rahul’s push against Speaker Birla.
Parliament Disruptions and Antics
Rijiju accused Rahul of undermining the dignity of Parliament through his antics, including attempting to forcibly hug the Prime Minister. Other treasury bench members, including JDU’s Rajiv Ranjan, Shiv Sena’s Shrikant Shinde, and TDP’s Lavu Srikrishna Devarayalu, criticized Rahul for frequent absences from key debates and for questioning the sacrifices of the armed forces. Shinde labeled him a “leader of vacation, not leader of opposition.”
Opposition’s Reactions
While NDA leaders defended the Speaker, opposition MPs highlighted their grievances:
DMK’s TR Baalu called Birla a “gentleman” who suspended opposition MPs fairly.
TMC’s Mahua Moitra described the motion as divine retribution for her expulsion in 2023.
Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Arvind Sawant accused Birla of acting under pressure against the opposition.
Rijiju’s remarks also referenced Rahul’s controversial meeting with the Chinese ambassador in 2017, prompting protests from Congress members.
Fiscal and Procedural Concerns
Union minister Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh criticized opposition disruptions, noting that Parliament costs Rs 1.9 crore per hour and Rs 9 crore per day to operate. He said opposition actions waste taxpayer money and contrasted Congress’s approach with past instances, including when Speaker Somnath Chatterjee had blocked debates in 2008.