NEW DELHI: Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has sharply criticized the BJP-led government, labeling the bulk suspension of Opposition members from Parliament as an affront to democracy. Speaking at the Congress's Parliamentary Party Meeting, Sonia lambasted the government for what she termed the strangulation of democracy.
A total of 141 MPs—95 from Lok Sabha and 46 from Rajya Sabha—faced suspension for causing disruptions during proceedings over Union Minister Amit Shah's demand regarding the Parliament security breach incident.
While addressing the meeting, Sonia Gandhi expressed her dismay, stating, "Democracy has been strangulated by this government. Never before have so many Opposition Members of Parliament been suspended from the house, and that too, simply for raising a perfectly reasonable and legitimate demand."
She further criticized the government's response to the demand for a statement by the Home Minister on the December 13 events, highlighting the perceived arrogance in dismissing the request.
Sonia Gandhi also condemned the delay in the Prime Minister's address to the nation regarding the December 13 incident, emphasizing that it was disrespectful to Parliament and the nation. She challenged how the ruling BJP would have reacted if they were in the opposition under similar circumstances.
Regarding the recent Bills concerning Jammu and Kashmir, Sonia Gandhi reiterated the Congress stance, emphasizing the need for immediate restoration of full statehood and early elections. She also highlighted the importance of addressing the aspirations of Ladakh's people.
The Congress leader criticized the passing of the Women's Reservation Bill with conditions, labeling it as a mere ploy to mislead women, urging immediate implementation without further delay, encompassing women from all communities.
Expressing contentment over the passage of the Bill to establish a Central Tribal University in Telangana, Sonia Gandhi emphasized the long-awaited fulfillment of a commitment made in 2014.
Reflecting on the setback faced by the Congress in recent Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, Sonia Gandhi acknowledged the challenges and emphasized the party's ideology and values as crucial in overcoming the difficulties.
Looking forward to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Sonia highlighted the need for rigorous preparation, citing the government's perceived systematic assault on democratic institutions as a fundamental issue at stake.
Parliament Suspends 141 Opposition MPs: Restrictions, Crisis Deepens
