NEW DELHI: Minister of parliamentary affairs and minority affairs Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday smacked the opposition over the Parliament ruckus stating that while the government has the majority to “pass bills even without discussion,” it refrains from doing so as it believes such actions are not appropriate.
“We can pass bills even without discussion because we have the majority, however, we do not feel right to do so. If any court order comes against an Indian in another country, will its discussion continue forever in the House?” the union minister said.
“It is very important for the Parliament to run for the country. If the proceedings of the Parliament are not done properly, then the country and the opposition MPs suffer the most,” he added.
This statement comes after both the Houses of Parliament have experienced multiple adjournments due to opposition’s requests for discussions on various matters including the Adani issue, Sambhal violence and Manipur situation.
He further continued that the functioning of Parliament is crucial, noting that disruptions in proceedings adversely impact both the nation and opposition members.
“Many opposition MPs are realising that disrupting the House is neither in the interest of the country nor in the interest of the opposition. This pressure has come on the Congress leadership that the country does not want the Parliament to be stopped by creating a ruckus like this. The Congress leadership is probably understanding this,” Rijiju said.
He also expressed satisfaction stating that, “I am happy that the House will run smoothly from today. We will discuss the Constitution in the Lok Sabha on the 13th and 14th December and in the Rajya Sabha on the 16th and 17th December.”
Earlier on Monday afternoon Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla organised a meeting with political party floor leaders in his chamber to resolve the impasse.
Following the meeting, Rijiju told the reporters that both Houses of Parliament would proceed with listed business and bills.
“Today, a meeting of all-party floor leaders was held with Speaker (Om Birla) today. Since a few days there has been a deadlock in the Parliament, everyone has expressed their concerns over it. We too said that all elected representatives come to the Parliament of India to express their views and the Parliament not functioning (properly) for several days now is not good. Everyone accepted this,” Rijiju had said.
“On December 13-14, we will hold a discussion on the Constitution. The discussion would first be held in Lok Sabha…everyone has accepted. On December 16-17, discussion will be held in Rajya Sabha,” he added.
Rijiju further emphasised proper procedures for raising issues through formal notices rather than causing disruptions.
“You can submit a notice for it but creating a ruckus in Parliament and obstructing the functioning is not good. Everyone has accepted this. It is good that everyone has accepted that discussions will be held from tomorrow. We will pass the first Bill tomorrow after discussions in Lok Sabha. In Rajya Sabha too, Listed Business will be passed. I appeal once again to all Opposition MPs and Leaders that all agreements that have happened today – we should run the Parliament smoothly…Starting tomorrow, the Parliament will function smoothly – such an agreement has been made. I am hopeful that this will happen,” he said.
Since the Winter Session’s commencement, parliamentary proceedings have faced interruptions due to opposition protests. Both Houses were initially adjourned until 12 noon, followed by adjournment for the remainder of the day on Monday.
The Parliament’s winter session, which started on November 25, will continue until December 20.