In a sharp accusation, the NDA government on Friday held the Opposition responsible for derailing a proposed parliamentary debate on the critical issue of air pollution. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that while the government was fully prepared for the discussion, the Congress and other opposition parties created a ruckus, making the proceedings impossible.
A Missed Opportunity on a Critical Issue
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi following the conclusion of the Winter Session of Parliament, Kiren Rijiju expressed a "slight regret" over the failed debate. He revealed that the subject of air pollution was officially listed for discussion in the names of three members: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra from the Congress, Kanimozhi from the DMK, and Bansuri Swaraj from the BJP. The concerned minister was also ready to respond.
"We wanted to discuss pollution, the Opposition had asked for it but the Congress said it is not important; they created a ruckus so we could not have a discussion on pollution," Rijiju asserted. He claimed the Congress encouraged others to stage protests in the Well of the House, leading to MPs throwing papers and paper planes, standing atop desks, and ultimately stalling the proceedings.
Productive Session Despite Disruptions
Despite the disruption on the pollution debate, Minister Rijiju characterized the overall Winter Session as "very productive." He highlighted that eight Bills, which he stated would benefit crores of citizens, were passed after debates in both Houses.
A key legislative achievement he pointed to was the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 (VB-G RAM G). "Narendra Modi ji’s reform express has started, it is through this that Bharat will become Viksit Bharat," Rijiju said, referring to the bill.
He also noted positive discussions on other topics, including the national song 'Vande Mataram,' which saw cross-party participation, and a debate on election reforms. "We allocated more time than the Opposition sought for the debates," he added.
Government's Readiness and Accusations
Rijiju emphasized that the government was "fully prepared" for the pollution debate. He accused some MPs of showing "unacceptable behaviour" which conveyed that they did not want any discussion on pollution, particularly concerning the National Capital Region (NCR).
Directly addressing the opposition's tactics, the Minister warned, "I want to tell the opposition that they won’t get votes through such tactics. Only good work will get them votes." The press conference was also attended by Union Ministers Arjun Ram Meghwal and L. Murugan, underscoring the government's united stance on the issue.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions in Parliament, where crucial policy discussions on pressing environmental issues like air pollution are often sidelined by political confrontations and procedural disruptions.
