Kharge stopped from quoting book in Rajya Sabha, Opp’n walks out
The Indian Parliament has been witnessing a series of intense debates and protests in recent times, with the Opposition parties consistently voicing their dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of various issues. In a recent development, Congress MP Mallikarjun Kharge was stopped from quoting an unpublished memoir by former Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane in the Rajya Sabha, which led to a walkout by the Opposition MPs.
The incident occurred when Kharge raised the issue of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi not being allowed to quote the same book in the Lok Sabha. Kharge argued that Gandhi was not permitted to quote from the book, despite it being a relevant and important part of the discussion. However, before he could proceed further, Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan intervened and stopped him from quoting the book.
The Chairman’s decision was met with strong opposition from the Congress and other Opposition parties, who felt that the move was an attempt to stifle free speech and suppress important information. The Opposition MPs protested the decision, stating that they had the right to quote from the book and that the Chairman’s actions were unfair and unjustified.
As the protest escalated, the Opposition MPs decided to stage a walkout from the Rajya Sabha, in a show of solidarity and dissent. The walkout was led by the Congress party, with other Opposition parties such as the Trinamool Congress, the DMK, and the Left parties joining in.
The unpublished memoir by General Manoj Mukund Naravane has been at the center of controversy in recent times, with several Opposition MPs attempting to quote from it in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The book is believed to contain important information about the government’s handling of national security and defense issues, and the Opposition parties have been keen to highlight its contents in Parliament.
The government, on the other hand, has been reluctant to allow the Opposition to quote from the book, citing concerns about national security and the sensitivity of the information contained in it. However, the Opposition parties have argued that the book is a matter of public interest and that they have the right to discuss its contents in Parliament.
The incident has sparked a debate about the freedom of speech and expression in Parliament, with many arguing that MPs should be allowed to quote from any book or document that is relevant to the discussion. The Opposition parties have also accused the government of trying to suppress important information and stifle dissenting voices.
The walkout by the Opposition MPs is a significant development, as it highlights the deepening rift between the government and the Opposition parties. The incident is also likely to have implications for the functioning of Parliament, as it may lead to further protests and disruptions in the coming days.
As the Parliament continues to witness intense debates and protests, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the Opposition’s demands and concerns. The incident has also raised questions about the role of the Chairman and the Speaker in regulating the proceedings of Parliament, and whether they are acting in a fair and impartial manner.
In conclusion, the incident in which Kharge was stopped from quoting the book in the Rajya Sabha has significant implications for the functioning of Parliament and the freedom of speech and expression. The Opposition parties have made it clear that they will continue to protest and raise their voices against what they perceive as an attempt to stifle dissent and suppress important information.
The government, on the other hand, needs to address the concerns of the Opposition parties and ensure that Parliament functions smoothly and effectively. The incident has also highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in governance, and the importance of allowing MPs to quote from relevant books and documents in Parliament.
News Source: https://x.com/PTI_News/status/2019299438746091906
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