Kharge Stopped from Quoting Book in Rajya Sabha, Opp’n Walks Out
The Indian Parliament has been witnessing a series of dramatic events in recent times, with the latest incident taking place in the Rajya Sabha. Congress MP Mallikarjun Kharge was stopped from quoting an unpublished memoir by former Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane, leading to a walkout by Opposition MPs. The incident has sparked a heated debate about freedom of speech and the limitations imposed on parliamentarians.
The controversy began when Congress MP Rahul Gandhi was not allowed to quote the same book in the Lok Sabha. Kharge, who is also the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, raised the issue and attempted to quote from the book. However, he was stopped by Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan, citing rules that prohibit the quotation of unpublished works.
Kharge argued that the book was relevant to a discussion on national security and that the government was trying to suppress important information. He also pointed out that the book had already been leaked to the media and was available in the public domain. Despite his arguments, the Chairman refused to allow him to quote from the book, leading to a stalemate.
The Opposition MPs, who were already frustrated with the government’s response to various issues, decided to stage a walkout in protest. The walkout was led by Kharge, who was joined by MPs from other Opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress, the DMK, and the Left parties. The MPs marched out of the House, shouting slogans and waving placards, in a dramatic display of their discontent.
The incident has raised questions about the rules and regulations that govern the Indian Parliament. While the rules are in place to maintain order and decorum in the House, they can also be used to stifle debate and suppress important information. The Opposition MPs have argued that the rules are being misused by the government to silence its critics and prevent the discussion of sensitive issues.
The unpublished memoir by General Naravane has been making headlines in recent times, with excerpts being leaked to the media. The book is expected to provide a detailed account of the former Army Chief’s tenure and his experiences in the Indian Army. While the book has not been officially released, it has already sparked a controversy, with some sections of the media and the Opposition parties accusing the government of trying to suppress its contents.
The incident in the Rajya Sabha has also highlighted the growing tension between the government and the Opposition. The relationship between the two has been strained in recent times, with the Opposition accusing the government of being authoritarian and dismissive of dissenting voices. The government, on the other hand, has accused the Opposition of being obstructionist and disruptive.
The walkout by the Opposition MPs is a significant development, as it indicates a deepening of the rift between the government and the Opposition. The incident is likely to have repercussions in the coming days, with the Opposition parties expected to raise the issue in various forums and platforms.
In conclusion, the incident in the Rajya Sabha has highlighted the importance of freedom of speech and the need for a more nuanced approach to the rules and regulations that govern the Indian Parliament. While the rules are in place to maintain order and decorum, they should not be used to stifle debate or suppress important information. The government and the Opposition need to work together to find a solution that balances the need for order with the need for free and frank discussion.
The incident has also raised questions about the role of the media in reporting on sensitive issues. The leaked excerpts from General Naravane’s memoir have sparked a controversy, with some sections of the media being accused of sensationalism and bias. The media needs to be more responsible in its reporting, ensuring that it provides accurate and balanced information to the public.
As the Indian Parliament continues to grapple with the challenges of governance and accountability, incidents like the one in the Rajya Sabha serve as a reminder of the importance of freedom of speech and the need for a more nuanced approach to the rules and regulations that govern the House. The government and the Opposition need to work together to find a solution that promotes constructive debate and discussion, rather than stifling it.
News Source: https://x.com/PTI_News/status/2019299438746091906
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