Silence on issues of great concern defining function of this govt’s tenure: Sonia Gandhi

By PTI

NEW DELHI: Congress chief Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday hit out on the authorities for not permitting a dialogue on the India-China border subject in Parliament, saying silence on issues of great concern has turn into its defining function.

Addressing celebration MPs on the common physique assembly of the Congress Parliamentary Party within the central corridor of Parliament, she mentioned when dealing with a major nationwide problem, it has been the custom in our nation to deliver Parliament into confidence.

A debate can make clear a number of vital questions, she mentioned.

“Why is China emboldened to continually attack us? What preparations have been made to repel these attacks, and what more needs to be done? What is the Government’s policy to deter China from future incursions? Given that we continue to have a severe trade deficit with China, importing far more than we export, why is there no economic response to China’s military hostility? What is the government’s diplomatic outreach to the global community,” she requested.

Indian and Chinese troops clashed alongside the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh on December 9 and the face-off resulted in “minor injuries to a few personnel from both sides”, in accordance with the Indian Army Noting {that a} frank dialogue strengthens the nation’s response, Gandhi mentioned it’s the responsibility of the federal government of the day to tell the general public and clarify its insurance policies and actions.

“This refusal to allow a parliamentary debate on such a matter of grave national concern – shows disrespect for our democracy, and reflects poorly on the Government’s intentions. It demonstrates its inability to bring the nation together. On the contrary, by following divisive policies, by spreading hatred and targeting some sections of our society, the government makes it harder for the country to stand up as one against foreign threats,” she mentioned.

“Such divisions weaken us and make us more vulnerable. At times like this it must be the government’s endeavour and responsibility to unite our people, not divide them as it has been doing these past several years,” Gandhi mentioned on the assembly.

“Unfortunately, silence on issues of great concern has turn into the defining function of this authorities’s tenure.

While blocking debate, the Government can also be actively engaged in concentrating on the opposition and any questioning voices, manipulating the media and undermining the establishments which stand of their means.

This is going on not solely within the Centre, but in addition in each state the place the ruling celebration governs,” she charged.

Gandhi additionally accused the federal government of creating an effort to cut back the standing of the judiciary within the eyes of the general public.

“A troubling new growth is the calculated try underway to delegitimise the judiciary. Ministers – and even a excessive constitutional authority — have been enlisted to creating speeches attacking the judiciary on varied grounds.

It is sort of clear that this isn’t an effort to offer cheap recommendations for enchancment.

Rather, it’s an effort to cut back the standing of the judiciary within the eyes of the general public,” the previous Congress chief additionally mentioned

NEW DELHI: Congress chief Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday hit out on the authorities for not permitting a dialogue on the India-China border subject in Parliament, saying silence on issues of great concern has turn into its defining function.

Addressing celebration MPs on the common physique assembly of the Congress Parliamentary Party within the central corridor of Parliament, she mentioned when dealing with a major nationwide problem, it has been the custom in our nation to deliver Parliament into confidence.

A debate can make clear a number of vital questions, she mentioned.

“Why is China emboldened to continually attack us? What preparations have been made to repel these attacks, and what more needs to be done? What is the Government’s policy to deter China from future incursions? Given that we continue to have a severe trade deficit with China, importing far more than we export, why is there no economic response to China’s military hostility? What is the government’s diplomatic outreach to the global community,” she requested.

Indian and Chinese troops clashed alongside the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh on December 9 and the face-off resulted in “minor injuries to a few personnel from both sides”, in accordance with the Indian Army Noting {that a} frank dialogue strengthens the nation’s response, Gandhi mentioned it’s the responsibility of the federal government of the day to tell the general public and clarify its insurance policies and actions.

“This refusal to allow a parliamentary debate on such a matter of grave national concern – shows disrespect for our democracy, and reflects poorly on the Government’s intentions. It demonstrates its inability to bring the nation together. On the contrary, by following divisive policies, by spreading hatred and targeting some sections of our society, the government makes it harder for the country to stand up as one against foreign threats,” she mentioned.

“Such divisions weaken us and make us more vulnerable. At times like this it must be the government’s endeavour and responsibility to unite our people, not divide them as it has been doing these past several years,” Gandhi mentioned on the assembly.

“Unfortunately, silence on issues of great concern has turn into the defining function of this authorities’s tenure.

While blocking debate, the Government can also be actively engaged in concentrating on the opposition and any questioning voices, manipulating the media and undermining the establishments which stand of their means.

This is going on not solely within the Centre, but in addition in each state the place the ruling celebration governs,” she charged.

Gandhi additionally accused the federal government of creating an effort to cut back the standing of the judiciary within the eyes of the general public.

“A troubling new growth is the calculated try underway to delegitimise the judiciary. Ministers – and even a excessive constitutional authority — have been enlisted to creating speeches attacking the judiciary on varied grounds.

It is sort of clear that this isn’t an effort to offer cheap recommendations for enchancment.

Rather, it’s an effort to cut back the standing of the judiciary within the eyes of the general public,” the previous Congress chief additionally mentioned