Parliamentary proceedings hit a snag as Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge spearheaded an opposition exodus from Rajya Sabha during PM Narendra Modi’s address on the President’s speech. Congress and allies cited persistent muzzling of voices as the core grievance.
Outside, Kharge painted a picture of orchestrated exclusion. ‘We’ve patiently waited four days while Rahul Gandhi is barred from Lok Sabha. Our agenda: safeguarding democracy, easing public woes, questioning farmer sacrifices in US pacts, echoing Trump’s dictates, flawed diplomacy, injustice, job crisis.’ All set to deliberate, they were stonewalled.
‘Opposition is solid,’ Kharge asserted. ‘Allow Rahul to speak, we’ll engage. Government’s ploy is evident – silence us in both Houses.’ He decried tolerance for personal attacks on historic leaders who liberated India. ‘Mic handed to abusers, BJP silent – no condemnation ever. We protest this dishonor and denial.’
Four days of Lok Sabha dysfunction, he noted, erode Parliament’s foundation. ‘Government masks errors by halting one House. Denying Opposition Leader speech is anti-democratic.’ The walkout amplifies calls for equity, spotlighting risks to legislative discourse.
This confrontation arrives amid heated national debates. As opposition digs in, pressure mounts on the Treasury benches to foster inclusive debate or face prolonged stalemate. India’s democracy watches closely.