New Delhi, July 24 (IANS) National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders on Friday accused the Opposition of acting irresponsibly and avoiding a discussion on the examination paper leak issue, even as Parliament witnessed another day of disruptions during the Monsoon Session.
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh alleged that the Opposition’s conduct was undermining democratic functioning and claimed that the protest movement had been amplified through social media accounts operating from Pakistan.
“The attitude of the opposition itself is irresponsible. If the opposition remains irresponsible, where will democracy be? You have now seen that this entire movement — more than 480 social media handles are being operated from Pakistan,” Lalan Singh said.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh accused Opposition leaders of attempting to derive political mileage from the issue and contrasted their approach with that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Rahul Gandhi, Kejriwal, whether it is Akhilesh Yadav, these are political celebrations — they think they got a good opportunity. The Prime Minister remained sensitive and stood with the children. More than 22 lakh children appeared for the exams, and now they are preparing for admission. He talked about a strict law and also spoke about fast-track courts. Modi ji is standing with the children, and the country is watching,” Giriraj Singh said.
He also alleged, “Congress crossed the limits of hooliganism two days ago by putting sticks on the shoulders of children and sending goons.”
Echoing similar remarks, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal said the government was prepared for a discussion in Parliament and accused the Opposition of avoiding debate.
“It is clear that they do not want a discussion. The issue of establishing fast-track courts has already been discussed in the House. The Prime Minister has also made an appeal, and the matter will be discussed in the Cabinet and passed as well,” Pal said.
BJP MP Rahul Sinha also questioned the Opposition’s stance.
“Congress is afraid of discussion. The Prime Minister and the Minister have invited a discussion in the House. Why does Congress not want a discussion in the House?” he asked.
The remarks came as the Lok Sabha began its proceedings on Friday by paying homage to the martyrs of the Kargil War, with Members of Parliament observing a one-minute silence in honour of their supreme sacrifice.
However, soon after regular business commenced, Opposition members created a ruckus for the fifth consecutive day, prompting repeated appeals from Speaker Om Birla to allow the House to function.
The Speaker emphasised the importance of Question Hour and urged members not to disrupt the proceedings.
He also told Opposition members that the House was ready for a structured discussion on all issues, provided they followed parliamentary procedures and submitted appropriate notices.
Despite repeated appeals from the Chair, sloganeering and protests continued in the House, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the Lok Sabha proceedings repeatedly.
–IANS
rs/dpb