Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday pushed back against Opposition allegations over disruptions in Parliament, asserting that the government makes consistent efforts to ensure smooth conduct of proceedings during every session. Speaking at the ABP Network India@2047 Youth Conclave, the senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader said he personally engages with Opposition leaders ahead of each session to build consensus.
Rijiju said that, as part of established convention, he meets the Leaders of Opposition in both Houses before the start of every session. He added that these interactions are aimed at taking Opposition parties into confidence and ensuring that parliamentary business runs without disruption.
Rijiju Says Govt Reaches Out to Opposition Leaders
The minister said he visits the residence of Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and also meets Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi before the commencement of each session. According to Rijiju, these meetings underline that there is no lack of effort from the government’s side to facilitate debate and discussion in Parliament.
He further said that, ahead of the upcoming Budget session, he has written to all Members of Parliament seeking their suggestions, in line with parliamentary convention. The Budget session is scheduled to begin on January 28 and will be held in two phases. The first phase will run from January 28 to February 13, while the second phase is slated from March 9 to April 2.
‘High Command Directs Ruckus’: Rijiju Targets Rahul Gandhi
Sharpening his attack on the Congress, Rijiju accused party leadership of directing its MPs to disrupt Parliament. He claimed that several Opposition MPs had privately conveyed to him that they wanted discussions in the House but were constrained by party instructions.
Targeting Rahul Gandhi, Rijiju remarked, “If you are not capable, let others participate; there are good speakers in the party,” alleging that the Congress leader’s approach contributes to repeated disruptions.
Parliament in recent years has seen stormy sessions marked by frequent adjournments, protests and walkouts, often stalling legislative business. Opposition parties, including the Congress, have regularly confronted the treasury benches, overshadowing substantive debate.
The Winter Session, which concluded in December, recorded 92 working hours in each House and saw the passage of key legislation, including the VB-G-RAM-G Bill and the SHANTI (Sustainable Harnessing and Advancements of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India) Bill, despite protests and walkouts. In contrast, the Monsoon Session witnessed a sharp decline in productivity, with significant business time lost due to disruptions.