New Delhi: Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju criticized the Opposition on Thursday following the conclusion of the Monsoon Session, stating that while Parliament successfully passed 12 bills, the government remained dissatisfied with the overall quality of parliamentary discussion. Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi shortly after both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were adjourned sine die, Rijiju alleged that Opposition members actively avoided participating in debates and created persistent disruptions throughout the session.
The Minister noted that out of the 12 bills passed during the session, 11 were cleared in the Lok Sabha without detailed debate, with only one legislation undergoing full discussion in the lower house. In contrast, he mentioned that the Rajya Sabha engaged in broader discussions on legislative business, though major Opposition parties chose to stage walkouts rather than participate in the proceedings. Rijiju expressed concern over these developments, describing the trend of the Opposition shying away from debate as unhealthy for parliamentary democracy.
Rijiju specifically targeted the Congress Party, accusing its members of reducing their legislative responsibilities to raising slogans and displaying placards. He expressed sympathy for newly elected parliamentarians, stating that continuous disruptions deprived them of valuable opportunities to observe and participate in meaningful debates. Looking ahead, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister voiced hope that Opposition leaders would reflect on their conduct during the adjournment period and engage constructively when Parliament reconvenes for the Winter Session.
