Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday invoked the example of late former Union minister Sushma Swaraj while commenting on the role of the Opposition in Parliament, in remarks widely viewed as an indirect criticism of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi amid ongoing disruptions during the Budget Session.
Rijiju shared an archival video of Swaraj speaking in the Lok Sabha ahead of the 2014 general elections, highlighting her approach to parliamentary conduct during her tenure as Leader of Opposition in the UPA-II period. In the speech, Swaraj emphasised that political disagreements should remain rooted in policy differences and must not devolve into personal hostility, stressing that democratic debate requires mutual respect across party lines.
Posting the video on social media, Rijiju said that a “matured” Leader of Opposition plays an important role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the House and strengthening parliamentary democracy. He also paid tribute to Swaraj on her birth anniversary, recalling her oratory skills, political sensitivity, and commitment to public service, and describing her legacy as a guiding example for democratic conduct.
In the shared clip, Swaraj reflected on the tradition of maintaining cordial personal relationships despite sharp political criticism. She stated that opposition parties are expected to challenge government policies strongly but without allowing ideological battles to become personal animosity, a principle she said had long characterised Indian parliamentary democracy.
Rijiju’s remarks come against the backdrop of a turbulent first phase of the ongoing Budget Session, marked by repeated adjournments and confrontations between the government and Opposition benches. Tensions escalated after Rahul Gandhi was prevented by the Chair from quoting an unpublished memoir by former Army chief General M.M. Naravane during a debate related to the 2020 Galwan standoff. Opposition members staged protests and walkouts, leading to the loss of several working hours in Parliament.
The government has also expressed concern over remarks allegedly made by Gandhi against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which treasury bench members described as unparliamentary. Rijiju said the Centre would not independently move a motion against Gandhi at this stage because BJP MP Nishikant Dubey had already submitted a notice seeking a substantive motion on the matter. He added that a decision is yet to be taken on whether the issue will be referred to the privileges or ethics committee or discussed directly in the Lok Sabha.
Looking ahead, Rijiju confirmed that Parliament will debate and vote on a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla when the House reconvenes on March 9. Under parliamentary rules, such a motion must be taken up on the first day of the sitting, followed by a vote after discussion.
Describing the upcoming phase of the session as significant, Rijiju indicated that several key legislations are expected to be introduced. He warned that if disruptions continue and prevent normal proceedings, the government may resort to the “guillotine” procedure to pass pending demands for grants without extended debate. According to him, discussions on the demands of five ministries are scheduled in the Lok Sabha, while the Rajya Sabha will deliberate on another five.
As Parliament prepares to resume, Rijiju’s reference to Swaraj’s parliamentary style reflects the government’s effort to frame the ongoing political confrontation around standards of debate and legislative functioning, even as tensions between the ruling coalition and the Opposition remain high.
