PM Modi disparages Rahul Gandhi Monsoon session ends in deadlock
PM Modi disparages Rahul Gandhi
Monsoon session ends in deadlock
PM Modi expressed his disappointment over the repeated disruptions in Parliament amidst the monsoon session, resulting in low productivity. He indirectly went on to criticize the Congress leadership for allegedly sidelining younger MPs due to insecurity. The session was marked by opposition protests and the passage of key legislation without thorough debate, leading to significant time lost in parliamentary
According to news agency, PM Modi made the comments in the midst of the customary tea meeting in Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s office, a tradition marking the end of every session. This time, however, opposition leaders stayed away, underlining the deadlock that dominated this session’s proceedings.
Though PM Modi did not name Rahul Gandhi, his remarks were widely seen as directed at the Congress leader spearheading protests against the Election Commission’s voter list revision in Bihar. The bright and young MPs of the Congress do not get to participate in discussions due to the “insecurity” of its leadership.
PM Modi also expressed disappointment that key legislation, including the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, had been cleared without debate amid the uproar. He nevertheless praised the gaming ban law for its “far-reaching impact,” noting the social harm caused by real-money online games.
He also went on to lament that Parliament missed the chance to discuss several important bills, saying disruptions robbed the House of meaningful debate.
With opposition benches empty at the Speaker’s tea, BJP leaders remarked on Congress’ absence, suggesting the party had grown difficult to engage with. Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju said opposition MPs might have been “too embarrassed” by their behaviour during the session to attend.
Rijiju also alleged that Congress negotiators often reached understandings with the government in pre-session talks but failed to follow through, hinting at “pressure from the top.”
Throughout the session, the INDIA bloc staged noisy protests inside and outside Parliament, accusing the BJP of “vote theft” through the Bihar electoral roll revision. The government, however, pressed ahead, passing multiple bills despite the din.
Monsoon session, which concluded on Thursday, saw frequent disruptions that overshadowed legislative business, with the House losing over 84 hours to forced adjournments, the highest in the 18th Lok Sabha.
The month-long session that started on July 21 had 21 sittings with 37 hours and 7 minutes of effective business, according to the Lok Sabha secretariat.
According to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, all parties had decided at the beginning of the session that discussions would be held for 120 hours in this session.
“The Business Advisory Committee also agreed to this. But due to continuous deadlock and planned disruptions, we could barely work for 37 hours in this session,” he underlined.
News Edit KV Raman
