Can't Be Quite If...: Rijiju Hits Out At Raga's London Remarks, Rahul To Attend Parliament Amid Row
Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused BJP of not allowing the parliament to function smoothly.
New Delhi: Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday took a potshot at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on India's democracy during his recent visit to the United Kingdom. Targeting the Gandhi Scion, Rijiju said that If "someone abuses the country" then the people of this nation can't remain silent, referring to Rahul's “Indian democracy is under attack” and “the government switches off mics of opposition MPs” remarks.
He also raised his concern regarding the confrontations between the Centre and the Opposition at the parliament during the second leg of the budget session, which began on March 13, following which the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha were adjourned for three consecutive days.
"Everyone is worried about what is going on in the Parliament....the country too," Rijiju said.
"How can one remain silent when it is in the interest of the country?" he asked. "Any issue regarding the country will be of concern to everyone."
Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused BJP of not allowing the parliament to function smoothly.
"This is their conspiracy not to allow the Parliament to function," he said. "It is their ploy to ignore our JPC demand."
Speaking about the protest march that was held in Delhi yesterday, he alleged that the BJP tried to stop the march from going forward "by placing women constables in front of us" because the "government does not want us to demand a probe into the Adani issue."
The opposition has been demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the Adani-Hindenburg issue and has been stalling proceedings of Parliament over their demand.
When asked about the Centre’s insistence that Rahul Gandhi apologise for his statements in London, Kharge said, "There is no question of apologizing."
Meanwhile, hitting out at Rahul Gandhi, Union Minister Rijuju said, "If Rahul Gandhi says something and Congress gets into trouble because of that, we have nothing to do with it."
"But if he defames our country, then as the citizens of this country, we can’t be quiet," he added.
The Lok Sabha is expected to witness a stormy session today as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will be attending the House proceedings after his UK tour.