NCP (SP)’s Fauzia Khan shook up Rajya Sabha with a no-holds-barred response to PM Modi’s address, praising its delivery while doubting its sincerity. ‘Pleasant words, but how authentic? Where’s the ground-level impact?’ she challenged.
Khan spotlighted the void in tackling public grievances amid soaring promises. The recent Meghalaya blast killing 18 underscored governmental lapses in curbing illegal coal operations, a nexus of corruption worth billions.
‘Workers’ lives hang in balance due to unchecked illegal mining—when will the Centre act decisively?’ Khan demanded, voicing anguish over recurring tragedies.
She vehemently opposed Assam CM Sarma’s ‘Miyan’ reference and demeaning beggar comments as odious. Rallying against a litany of divisive rhetoric—including cattle raids, jewelry thefts, and voter manipulations—Khan queried the health of Indian democracy.
Pushing for a strict behavioral code among dignitaries, she argued violators disqualify themselves. Khan also interrogated the reluctance to embrace Muslim leaders, lamenting targeted vilification.
Evoking the multifaceted independence movement, she called for recognition of all players’ roles. Khan’s discourse called for a politics of substance, shunning polarization.