Parliament Is the Temple of Democracy; Crucial Issues Must Be Discussed: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
New Delhi:
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, alleging that Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi was prevented from speaking in Parliament, said that Parliament is the temple of democracy and every citizen of the country has faith in it. Therefore, she said, important national issues must be discussed inside the House.
Reacting to the uproar in the Lok Sabha after Rahul Gandhi cited a book by former Army Chief General Manoj Naravane on the India–China standoff, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, “Rahul Gandhi is quoting from a public source, yet he is not being allowed to speak. On the other hand, people from the ruling side have themselves quoted magazines and books in Parliament on several occasions.”
She said that Parliament has always held discussions on critical issues related to China, Pakistan, and foreign policy, which has been a long-standing tradition. “Whether in opposition or in government, everyone has openly presented their views. In reality, the government is afraid that the truth will come out before the country, which is why they are not even allowing the book to be published,” she alleged.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra further stated that this is not just about stopping the Leader of the Opposition from speaking, but a fundamental issue concerning democracy and the functioning of Parliament. “If someone is presenting their viewpoint, what is the problem? They are afraid of what facts may come out. The book contains details that show how the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, the Defence Minister, and the top leadership reacted during a time of crisis. It reflects the character of the government—how it responds when the country is under attack and Chinese soldiers are entering our borders,” she said.
Commenting on the suspension of eight opposition MPs from Parliament, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said that opposition members are being suspended in every session and it has become nothing new. Congress leader Ujjwal Raman Singh described the suspensions as unfortunate, saying that the BJP has repeatedly set such precedents. He said it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that Parliament functions smoothly.
She added that Parliament is a place meant for free exchange of ideas, but the BJP government wants to suppress the voice of the opposition. “The government is running away from its own responsibility. Those in power do not want dialogue inside the House. The Leader of the Opposition is not allowed to speak in the Lok Sabha,” she said.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra concluded by saying, “This is not about throwing papers; it is about trying to silence voices. The government is wasting the country’s money and wants that no discussion takes place in the nation.”
