New Delhi, March 10 – In a debate on Tuesday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju questioned the morality of the opposition for moving a no-confidence motion against the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. He also criticized Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition, for his behavior in the House, citing instances of him hugging the Prime Minister and winking at MPs inside Parliament.
Rijiju pointed out that during the first session of the Budget Session, Gandhi had stated that he did not need anyone's permission and could speak at his will.
"This cannot be allowed. Also, there are many experienced members in the party who should have guided him, but they keep complaining that Rahul's microphone is being switched off to silence him," Rijiju remarked.
Referring to another instance where Gandhi addressed the Speaker as "yaar" (friend), the Union Minister said that the Speaker is the custodian of the House and therefore cannot be reduced to such a casual remark.
Rijiju further stated that all members of the House are bound by rules and regulations, and nobody should consider themselves above the parliamentary protocol.
"When any individual considers himself above everything else, it is important that he be called out," he said, making a clear reference to Rahul Gandhi.
The Union Minister also cited the 2018 instance of Gandhi winking inside the House and said, "I have never seen a leader who comes and hugs the Prime Minister, then goes back to his seat and winks at fellow party MPs."
Rijiju's reference to Priyanka Gandhi, who was smiling, also caught everyone's attention, as he suggested that she should be preferred over Rahul for the position of Leader of the Opposition.
"She devotes more time to the House, is more approachable, and can handle the position of Leader of the Opposition better," he said while Priyanka patiently listened with a smile. This also elicited laughter from the treasury benches.
Seeking to justify the interventions by the Speaker, Rijiju said that the latter tries to reform "undisciplined and unruly" MPs by chiding and scolding them, much like how parents or guardians do at home. However, he added that some members refuse to pay attention and continue to defy the Chair.
He further claimed that the motion against the Speaker was brought by the opposition with a motive to malign the constitutional bodies.