Thursday’s Lok Sabha session turned tumultuous as Congress stalwart Shashi Tharoor came out swinging in support of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s speaking rights. The fierce objections to Gandhi’s observations on the President’s address have ignited a parliamentary firestorm, prompting Tharoor to decry the stifling of opposition voices.
Cutting through the chaos, Tharoor argued that Gandhi’s points were no revelation. ‘The Leader of Opposition deserves to be heard,’ he stated firmly. ‘He referenced a matter from a published magazine article. Nothing unpublished. His intent was to touch on it and proceed to broader discussion on the address. Such extreme objections and denial of floor time have blown it into a major controversy.’
The episode feeds into the opposition’s narrative of a muzzled Parliament, where ruling dispensation allegedly prioritizes control over dialogue. Tharoor’s advocacy underscores the urgency of restoring balance.
Injury hasn’t slowed him down either. Tharoor detailed his Wednesday tumble outside Parliament, leading to a hairline fracture. ‘Fell while exiting Parliament yesterday. Sadly, hairline fracture,’ he said matter-of-factly.
True to form, the MP pledges unwavering participation: daily Parliament visits and committee engagements next week, potentially via wheelchair. This follows his apology for absenting a party huddle owing to X-rays and hospital procedures.
Against the backdrop of sustained opposition protests linked to the President’s speech, these developments signal entrenched divisions. Tharoor’s position may galvanize further resistance, challenging authorities to navigate the tightrope between decorum and dissent in India’s vibrant legislative arena.