NEW DELHI: The Congress party launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of "hiding behind the Speaker" after Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla revealed that he had advised the PM against attending the House session. This advice came citing security concerns raised by women Members of Parliament who were protesting in the chamber.
Congress Leaders Condemn PM's Absence
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi from Wayanad expressed strong disapproval on Thursday, shortly after the Lok Sabha session was adjourned within seconds. She stated, "The PM is hiding behind the Speaker. Yesterday, he did not have the guts to come to the House because three women were standing before the bench. What nonsense is this? There is no discussion because the government doesn't want discussion to happen."
Security Concerns Dismissed as Pretext
Congress leader Pawan Khera further escalated the criticism by dismissing the security concerns cited by Speaker Om Birla. He asserted that the women MPs were present in the House solely to exercise their democratic right to protest. Khera questioned the underlying assumptions of the government's stance, asking, "Are the Modi government and their subservient journalists trying to say that women are inherently violent? Is protest by a woman considered terrorism?"
He highlighted the presence of a Dalit woman MP during the protest, adding, "Were the Modi government and their compliant journalists uncomfortable with a Dalit woman MP standing up? Do they consider them untouchable?" Khera demanded an apology, saying, "The Modi government and its servile journalists should apologize to the women of the country, especially Dalit women."
Background of the Incident
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to deliver a speech in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday at 5 PM. However, as proceedings began, women opposition leaders gathered around the PM's chair, displaying posters as a form of protest. The Prime Minister was notably absent from the House, leading to the cancellation of his scheduled address.
Speaker Om Birla explained his decision, alleging that the protesting MPs "could have created an inappropriate incident near the Prime Minister's chair." Consequently, he advised the PM to avoid visiting the House to prevent any potential security breaches or disruptions.
Broader Context of Opposition Protests
This incident is part of a larger pattern of opposition protests against the central government. The opposition has been vocal on several key issues, including:
- The proposed India-US trade deal, which they claim will adversely affect farmers and the agricultural sector.
- The suspension of eight opposition MPs during the Budget Session, raising concerns about parliamentary democracy.
- The alleged sidelining of Parliament in communicating crucial policy decisions, undermining legislative oversight.
- The controversy surrounding former Army chief MM Naravane’s memoir, which Rahul Gandhi cited to accuse the government of compromising national interests.
These grievances have fueled tensions both inside and outside the House, contributing to the heated political climate. The recent events highlight the ongoing struggles between the ruling party and the opposition over parliamentary conduct and democratic expression.
