‘We Cannot Be Silent Spectators to the Erosion of Democracy,’ Says Congress
By Abdul Bari Masoud
New Delhi, August 10: Amid growing tensions in Parliament, the Congress party has accused the Chairman of Rajya Sabha of displaying partisanship in his conduct, raising concerns over the suppression of Opposition voices. Reports suggest that the Opposition is contemplating an impeachment motion against the presiding officers of both houses of Parliament.
At a press conference here, AICC Treasurer Ajay Maken and Congress Deputy Leader in Rajya Sabha, Pramod Tiwari voiced their discontent, alleging that the Chairman’s actions have undermined democratic processes. Maken expressed concern over the stifling of Opposition voices, questioning how democracy could function if the Opposition is not allowed to speak freely. He emphasized that the Chairman must maintain neutrality, as the conduct of Rajya Sabha sets a precedent for legislative bodies across the nation.
Pramod Tiwari further highlighted the unfair treatment of Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge in the House. He noted that standard parliamentary procedure dictates that when the Leader of the House or the Leader of the Opposition speaks, they should be given precedence. However, Tiwari claimed that Kharge has been repeatedly denied this right, with his microphone often being switched off mid-speech. He also noted that Kharge, a seasoned parliamentarian with over 50 years of experience, has consistently raised issues concerning the marginalized and the poor.
Tiwari also pointed to the use of unparliamentary language by BJP member Ghanshyam Tiwari against Kharge, urging the House to address the breach of privilege. Although Ghanshyam Tiwari had expressed a willingness to apologize outside the House, Opposition leaders insist that the apology should be made in the House where the remarks were initially made.
The Congress leaders also criticized the censure motion brought against the Opposition, dismissing it as an NDA-driven motion rather than a genuine House resolution. They supported Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan, who had earlier clashed with RS Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar over the tone he used when addressing certain MPs. Bachchan had expressed her disapproval of Dhankhar’s tone, leading to a heated exchange in the House.
Maken and Tiwari hinted that all options remain on the table, including the possibility of bringing an impeachment motion against Lok Sabha Speaker and Rajya Sabha Chairman. The Congress, they asserted, will utilize all available forums to ensure that the voice of the people is heard in Parliament, refusing to remain silent as democratic principles are compromised.
