BJP MP Jagdambika Pal has strongly criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of misleading the nation by claiming that he was denied the opportunity to speak in the Lok Sabha. Jagdambika Pal asserted that Rahul Gandhi himself does not actively participate in parliamentary discussions and has no genuine interest in the legislative process. His remarks come amid a fresh political controversy over Rahul Gandhi’s allegations that he was repeatedly stopped from addressing the House.
Speaking to ANI, Jagdambika Pal dismissed Rahul Gandhi’s accusations, stating that no one in Parliament is ever prevented from speaking. “Rahul Gandhi is misleading the country. No one can stop anyone from speaking in this House. He himself does not sit in the House regularly. He does not participate in debates on bills and proposals. He has no interest in the parliamentary system. If other Congress leaders can speak, why can’t he?” Jagdambika Pal said.
The controversy erupted after Rahul Gandhi, who serves as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, claimed on Wednesday that he was not allowed to address the House despite making repeated requests. Expressing his frustration, Rahul Gandhi said, “I don’t know what is happening in Parliament. I requested the Speaker to let me speak, but he walked out instead. This is not the way to run the House. The Speaker made certain unsubstantiated remarks about me and then adjourned the session. This was unnecessary. As per convention, the Leader of Opposition is given time to speak, but every time I stand up, I am stopped.”
Rahul Gandhi further alleged that the government was systematically silencing the opposition and diminishing its role in a democratic setup. “In a democracy, both the government and opposition have a voice. But here, there is no space for the opposition,” he remarked.
The Congress leader also revealed that he wanted to speak on key issues such as the Maha Kumbh Mela and unemployment but was denied the opportunity. “The Prime Minister spoke about Maha Kumbh, and I also wanted to acknowledge that the event was well-organized. Additionally, I intended to raise concerns about unemployment, but I wasn’t given the chance. I don’t understand the Speaker’s approach and thinking, but the reality is that we were not allowed to speak,” Rahul Gandhi added.
The second phase of the budget session of Parliament commenced on March 10 and is scheduled to continue until April 4. The latest exchange between the BJP and Congress further highlights the deepening tensions in Parliament, with both sides accusing each other of undermining democratic principles.
