Addressing the controversy surrounding the suspension of 146 Opposition MPs during the Winter Session of Parliament, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi has attributed the disruptions to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of encouraging Opposition MPs to create chaos within the House.
In an interview with India Today TV, Joshi asserted that Rahul Gandhi played a pivotal role in inciting Opposition MPs to cause a disturbance, stating, "Rahul Gandhi never wanted Parliament to function. He is the one who goaded the MPs to take placards inside the House."
Regarding the mass suspension of Opposition MPs in the recently concluded Winter Session, Joshi claimed that the Opposition had predetermined their unwillingness to participate in any discussions. He argued that the government had no alternative but to resort to suspension due to this premeditated stance of non-participation.
Joshi elaborated on the efforts made by the Speaker to maintain decorum, emphasizing that the Speaker personally engaged with all legislators, including Opposition MPs, urging them to refrain from bringing placards and minimize disruptions. Despite an initial smooth conduct, disruptions ensued after, according to Joshi, directives were received from an external source.
Responding to the Opposition's demand for Home Minister Amit Shah's statement on the Parliament security breach issue, Joshi questioned the Opposition's consistency, recalling a previous session where they expressed a desire for a discussion on the Manipur issue. Joshi indicated that the government was prepared to engage in a discussion, but the Opposition shifted their demand to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement, suggesting a premeditated intent to obstruct parliamentary proceedings.
In a conversation with Rajdeep Sardesai, Consulting Editor, India Today, Joshi expressed skepticism about the Opposition's motives, remarking, "Jo sote hain unko aap jaga sakte hain, par jo sone ka natak karte hain, unko aap nahi jaga sakte (You can wake up those who are asleep, but you cannot wake up those who pretend to be asleep)."
Addressing the investigation into the Parliament security breach, Joshi clarified that a high-level inquiry was underway, with the matter handed over to the Delhi Police. He highlighted the arrest of several individuals and emphasized the need for the preliminary inquiry report to be released before making any statements on the matter.
