Kharge’s Parliamentary Address : Kharge expressed his concerns to Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar about the limited opportunities the Opposition has to voice their views within the Parliament. He requested that the cameras broadcasting parliamentary proceedings equally focus on opposition MPs when they are speaking
New Delhi, 18 September (City Times): Kharge’s Parliamentary Address : Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed his concerns to Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar for Protection and Support of oppositions Members. Kharge appealed to Chairman Dhankhar, referring to him as their guardian, to protect the Opposition from any injustices. He humorously mentioned that since the Opposition is outnumbered, they would come to him for help if the ruling coalition MPs were to attack them. Kharge stressed the need for protection.
Kharge emphasized the importance of allowing all MPs the freedom to speak
Kharge expressed his concerns to Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar about the limited opportunities the Opposition has to voice their views within the Parliament. He requested that the cameras broadcasting parliamentary proceedings equally focus on opposition MPs when they are speaking. (Kharge’s Parliamentary Address)
Highlighting the discussions on people’s issues within the Parliament is essential: Kharge
Kharge emphasized the importance of allowing all MPs the freedom to speak, even if they make mistakes. He pointed out that the Opposition often faces criticism while the ruling party is forgiven for significant errors. Kharge stated that highlighting the discussions on people’s issues within the Parliament is essential. He believes that the constitutional work carried out by MPs should receive encouragement both from the Chairman and the government.(Kharge’s Parliamentary Address)
Discussion on Manipur Ethnic Violence
Kharge also addressed the ethnic violence in Manipur, expressing the Opposition’s efforts to have the Prime Minister make a statement about it in the Parliament. He noted that while Chairman Dhankhar attempted to initiate a discussion on Manipur in the house, the Prime Minister did not respond to such requests. Kharge remarked that when the Opposition looks at the Prime Minister, he looks at the BJP leaders. Chairman Dhankhar retorted that he is not helpless but strong.(Kharge’s Parliamentary Address)
Importance of Sending Bills to Standing Committees
Kharge highlighted the decreasing trend of sending bills to Standing Committees for review. He emphasized that this is the right of MPs to flag issues in bills and send them to the Standing Committees. He cited statistics showing that during the UPA’s tenure from 2009 to 2014, 71% of bills were referred to Standing Committees. This number decreased to 27% from 2014 to 2019 and further dropped to 13% thereafter. (Kharge’s Parliamentary Address)
Kharge Crticized Government By Reciting Hindi Poem (Watch Video) :
Kharge began his address with a Hindi poem criticizing the government’s actions. He raised questions about the government’s focus on renaming schemes and the lack of job opportunities for youth. He also criticized the government’s use of central agencies like CBI and ED to weaken the Opposition. Kharge invoked Jawaharlal Nehru’s legacy and contributions to the nation while requesting that the BJP refrain from making derogatory statements about him.(Kharge’s Parliamentary Address)
Comparison of Prime Ministers’ Statements in Lok Sabha
Kharge compared the number of times Prime Ministers made statements in the Lok Sabha during their tenures. He mentioned that Atal Bihari Vajpayee made 21 statements, and Manmohan Singh made 30 statements. In contrast, Prime Minister Modi has made only two statements, apart from a few customary comments, according to Kharge.
Kharge’s address covered various aspects of parliamentary functioning, the role of the Opposition, and his concerns regarding the government’s actions and focus.(Kharge’s Parliamentary Address)
