New Delhi: Congress MPs said the government will have to answer in the House on the India-US trade deal. Furthermore, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi should be allowed to speak in the Lok Sabha.
Congress MP KC Venugopal said that in a parliamentary democracy, the Leader of the Opposition has the right to speak and initiate debate, which has been completely denied in this House. Our sole agenda is to allow the Leader of the Opposition to speak. The real issue is that Indian farmers are deeply concerned about this India-US trade agreement. Parliament is for debate and discussion. We know the parliamentary system well. Our sole objective is to allow the Leader of the Opposition to speak.
Congress MP Imran Masood said on the India-US trade agreement that he will have to answer in Parliament. “You have mortgaged the entire country to America. You have devastated and ruined the country’s farmers. This is a direct attack on the backbone of the country. What Trump said and the deal that has emerged are absolutely clear. You just said that flour and rice will not be taken, but corn, soybeans, apples, etc. have all been included. What will happen to our farmers?” He said that the Leader of the Opposition is repeatedly stopped from speaking on any issue. This is a direct attack on democracy. The opposition wants the House to function and the voices of opposition MPs to be heard, but the House is repeatedly adjourned.
Congress MP Tariq Anwar said that there is great unease among the people, especially farmers, regarding the treaty with America. The pressure being felt and the manner in which the government surrendered to America is not in the national interest. The opposition wanted to raise this issue, but the Speaker adjourned the House before that could happen. We want a detailed discussion on this in the Lok Sabha. We should find out what compulsion or pressure forced our government to bow to America.
He said that the use of derogatory and offensive language by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey in Parliament had caused widespread anger among the opposition, especially Congress members. He felt compelled to go to the chamber to express those sentiments. It appears this entire conspiracy was orchestrated by the government to attack the opposition, especially Rahul Gandhi. People like Nishikant Dubey are working to destroy the country’s traditions, culture, and values. This may be the first time such language has been used in Parliament.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore said, “Our demand is simple: Rahul Gandhi should be allowed to speak. Leaders of all opposition parties should be given a chance to speak. The Prime Minister should also speak. He can speak on ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ but he should also speak in the Lok Sabha. Rahul Gandhi is not being allowed to speak. Where is the democracy?”
