In a heated exchange in the Lok Sabha on Monday, Union ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Kiren Rijiju responded sharply to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s criticisms of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Gandhi had questioned the Speaker’s authority during a debate on the Union Budget, prompting a strong rebuttal from the two ministers.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju condemned Gandhi’s approach, stating, “I condemn the manner in which the Leader of Opposition attacked the Speaker and showed disregard for the rules and procedures of the House.”
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw criticized Gandhi’s adherence to constitutional norms. “Rahul Gandhi has a history of disregarding constitutional processes. He once tore up an ordinance from his own party’s government. It’s clear he has no intention of following constitutional norms,” Vaishnaw remarked.
Vaishnaw expressed concern over Gandhi’s behavior, suggesting that it undermines the integrity of democratic institutions. “It is unfortunate that despite holding a constitutional position, Gandhi’s conduct in the House undermines democracy,” he said.
Rijiju also emphasized the importance of adhering to parliamentary rules. “The position of Leader of Opposition carries significant responsibility. Gandhi’s remarks targeting the Speaker were out of line. The House functions according to rules, and the Speaker is the custodian of these rules,” Rijiju asserted.
Rijiju added that Gandhi’s failure to focus on the Union Budget during the debate was problematic. “Rahul Gandhi was repeatedly reminded by the Chair to adhere to the rules and concentrate on the Union Budget, but he strayed from the topic. As Leader of Opposition, he must respect the rules and the Constitution,” Rijiju concluded.
