PM Speech Controversy Echoes in Rajya Sabha as Treasury and Opposition Clash
The political impasse surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled address in the Lok Sabha spilled over into the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, leading to heated exchanges between ruling-party leaders and the Opposition during proceedings in the Upper House.
The confrontation followed disruptions in the Lok Sabha that prevented the Prime Minister from speaking during the Motion of Thanks debate, an episode that quickly became the focus of arguments across party lines.
Kharge Raises Objections Over Lok Sabha Events
Raising the matter in the Rajya Sabha, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge questioned why Rahul Gandhi had not been allowed to speak in the Lower House. He argued that Parliament functions as a unified institution and that restricting a leader’s opportunity to speak undermines democratic debate.
Kharge also claimed that repeated interruptions had stalled Lok Sabha proceedings for several days, intensifying political tensions between the two sides.
BJP Ministers Push Back
Government leaders responded forcefully, insisting that the rules of Parliament do not permit discussion of Lok Sabha proceedings in the Rajya Sabha. Union minister JP Nadda reiterated that the government was open to debate and maintained that the Prime Minister had been prepared to address the House.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju added that the government had agreed to allow the Leader of Opposition to speak before the Prime Minister, but said that long-established procedures and decorum had to be followed.
Rijiju urged members to respect House traditions and criticised the Opposition for repeated interruptions, remarking that other members were keen to hear the Prime Minister’s reply.
Opposition Voices and Chair’s Rulings
Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav joined the discussion, stating that Parliament should always remain a forum for free expression and opposing any attempt to prevent lawmakers from speaking.
Amid the escalating rhetoric, the Chair repeatedly ruled that matters relating to the Lok Sabha could not be debated in the Upper House, prompting Kharge to later state that the Opposition had no intention of derailing proceedings.
Further Exchanges Add to Tension
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey said he would abide by the Speaker’s authority, contrasting his conduct with that of Opposition leaders. Another BJP lawmaker, Dinesh Sharma, accused Congress members of obstructing the Prime Minister and hindering legislative work.
The sharp back-and-forth underscored the increasingly charged atmosphere in Parliament, with the Motion of Thanks debate becoming a flashpoint for wider political confrontation.
