Union Minister Criticizes Opposition Leaders in Lok Sabha
Minister's Remarks on Opposition Leadership
On Tuesday, Union Minister Giriraj Singh targeted opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav during a Lok Sabha session, suggesting that Gandhi should focus on his own party's issues first. He mentioned that several Congress legislators have rejected Gandhi's leadership, stating, 'Rahul Gandhi should prioritize his own house.' Singh further asserted that Gandhi owes an apology for failing to manage the party effectively. He also remarked that Tejashwi Yadav, having lost by a single vote, is unfit to hold the position of opposition leader, emphasizing that it is easy to blame the current leadership.
In response to allegations of cross-voting during the Rajya Sabha elections, BJP spokesperson Shahzad Poonawala commented that those accusing others of horse-trading are themselves part of a party known for such practices. He pointed out that the public has rejected both Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi, and now even their own legislators are turning against them, indicating a lack of trust.
Following the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance's complete victory in the recent Rajya Sabha elections for five seats, the opposition accused the ruling party of 'buying' legislators and called for a review of anti-defection laws. However, BJP and its allies dismissed these claims, asserting that the opposition failed to manage its own members and did not adhere to standard procedures during voting. Congress MP Manish Tewari expressed concern over the declining political ethics, stating that the public no longer respects parties that have brought them to the legislature. He called for a serious reconsideration of the anti-defection law, noting that what was once an isolated incident has now become a widespread issue.
Sudhakar Singh, a Rajya Sabha MP from the Rashtriya Janata Dal led by Lalu Prasad Yadav, accused the NDA of using 'money power' to secure their victory. He claimed that not only Tejashwi Yadav but the entire nation has accused the BJP of buying legislators, citing similar incidents in Haryana, Odisha, Bihar, and other states. Singh stated, 'Elections are being fought without a majority, using financial influence. Legislators are being poached. This is not how democracy should function. The anti-defection law was established to prevent such actions, allowing a party to split only if it has a two-thirds majority.'