Chirag Paswan Criticizes Opposition During Passage of Employment Bill
Union Minister Chirag Paswan has sharply criticized the opposition's behavior during the passage of the Developed India Guarantee Employment and Livelihood Mission Bill in Parliament. He condemned Congress members for violating decorum and emphasized the bill's aim to empower rural communities. BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad echoed these sentiments, questioning the opposition's conduct during discussions. The bill, which transforms the MGNREGS into an employment guarantee scheme, faced significant opposition, leading to disruptions in the House. This article delves into the details of the parliamentary proceedings and the reactions from key political figures.
| Dec 18, 2025, 19:08 IST
Minister Paswan Condemns Opposition's Conduct
On Thursday, Union Minister Chirag Paswan expressed strong disapproval of the opposition's behavior during the passage of the Developed India Guarantee Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Bill in Parliament. He labeled the opposition's actions as disgraceful, particularly criticizing Congress members for violating decorum by standing in front of the Speaker. Speaking to reporters, Paswan emphasized that the rural scheme aims to empower villages, uplift the poor, and bridge the gap between rural and urban areas. He quoted Mahatma Gandhi, stating that the soul of India resides in its villages, underscoring the importance of strengthening these communities.
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Paswan further remarked that the opposition's role in passing this bill was shameful. He accused the oldest political party of trampling on established traditions, stating that while dissent is a right, it should not come at the cost of decorum. He criticized Congress members for their disruptive behavior in front of the Speaker, asserting that such actions are not in line with parliamentary traditions and should not be tolerated.
In a similar vein, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad also condemned the opposition's actions, questioning the Congress party's conduct in the Lok Sabha. He noted that there had been a lengthy discussion lasting ten hours, providing ample opportunity for the opposition to voice their opinions. However, when Shivraj Singh Chouhan attempted to respond, Congress members resorted to tearing up the bill. Prasad expressed disappointment over the opposition's behavior, suggesting that they should refrain from invoking Gandhi's name, as his principles are reflected in various developmental initiatives like the Clean India Mission and housing schemes for the poor.
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During the ongoing winter session of Parliament, the Lok Sabha passed the Developed India - Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Bill, 2025, which transforms the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) into an employment guarantee initiative. The bill faced significant opposition, leading to repeated disruptions in the House and ultimately resulting in its suspension. The bill was introduced by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for consideration and passage.