New Delhi: The Congress on Thursday strongly criticized the BJP for violating parliamentary traditions and rules. It accused the ruling party of turning Parliament into “Modi’s Durbar” and claimed that dictatorship and fascism have seeped into the BJP’s DNA. The party also questioned the BJP’s support for the 2013 Waqf Amendment Bill.
Addressing a press conference at the party office after the Budget Session concluded, Congress Deputy Leaders Gaurav Gogoi (Lok Sabha) and Pramod Tiwari (Rajya Sabha) alleged that Parliament no longer represents the people. Instead, it functions like a court for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Tiwari said that usually, the opposition disrupts Parliament because it’s not allowed to raise public issues. But this time, it was the ruling party that stalled proceedings. He said this is clear proof that fascism now runs in the BJP’s DNA.
He further alleged that the BJP purposely dragged the Rajya Sabha proceedings until 4 a.m. just to cause chaos and get the House adjourned sine die. He pointed out that while three hours were allotted for discussion on Manipur, the topic was only debated for 50 minutes.
Tiwari condemned BJP MP Anurag Thakur for making baseless allegations against Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge in the Lok Sabha. He mocked Thakur, saying that after being denied a ministerial post, he’s now jobless and violating House rules. Tiwari reminded that parliamentary rules bar members from speaking about those from the other House, since they cannot defend themselves.
Gaurav Gogoi echoed Tiwari’s concerns. He said Parliament has stopped being a space where people’s voices are heard. Instead, only praise for Modi is allowed, and any criticism is suppressed. He accused BJP members of repeatedly disrupting the House to dodge accountability.
He slammed the government for avoiding debate on foreign policy. Gogoi noted that a 27% tariff imposed by the U.S. has rocked the Indian economy and caused a stock market crash. He said middle-class investors lost their savings, but the government hasn’t clarified its stance. He questioned whether the External Affairs Minister was incapable of answering questions.
Referring to the Waqf Amendment Bill, Gogoi asked why the BJP supported the 2013 changes. He said the government doesn’t seem to understand Waqf, Article 26, or the Preamble of the Constitution. He added that civil society and the public appreciated how the opposition defended the Constitution and exposed the BJP’s weak and flawed arguments.
He also criticized the Parliamentary Affairs Minister for indirectly referring to Sonia Gandhi in Lok Sabha, even though she is not a member of that House.
