leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad on Friday tried to add power to the Opposition’s punch in demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence in the House and assurance on debate on communal violence. But the punch hit a wall as the Government remained firm on its stand on having a debate without PM, resulting in no breakthrough to the ongoing deadlock.
Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar while lauding Azad’s remarks and articulation urged him to start the debate while MoS for Parliamentary Affairs Muqhtar Abbas Naqvi maintained that the Government was willing to respond to Opposition with “principle and interest”.
“We agree that there should be a debate on religious conversions. If all agree there can be a law on it. We want peace and harmony in the country and that can happen when it is peaceful in this House. It is sad that you are not ready to discuss this issue and are only making noise,” Naqvi said.
But Azad, who had been away from the House so far due to Assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir, stayed firm on calling PM. He had also been shuttling daily between J&K and Mumbai to attend to his ailing wife.
He, however, showed no sign of fatigue as he made a forceful demand for Modi’s intervention. While saying that religious conversion by force or allurement of money, ration card or BPl card is not only unconstitutional but also unethical, unlawful and criminal offence, Azad insisted the PM should come to Parliament and allay people’s apprehensions. “The PM and BJP will benefit most from his words as his silence is being seen as his and his party’s support (to religious conversations)… Instill confidence that this government will protect people from all religions,” Azad he said.
“Unhone dard diya hai, toh dawa bhi woh hi denge (he gave pain, now he will give remedy). PM had while seeking votes asked people of India to give him power and maintained he will be answerable to them. Today when it comes to giving answers why should someone else do itIJ,” Azad said adding Modi should give confidence to Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and others that not only they are safe in the country but also their religion.
He argued that the reception Prime Minister receives when he goes abroad is because he represents the 125-crore multi-religion country. “In the past, when there was doubt that he did not represent all sections, he was not welcome in foreign land with some countries imposing restrictions,” he said.
He said the Opposition was not asking Modi to stand on the street and apologise but was only asking him to learn from leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Atal Bihari Vajpayee to respect the House and come to Rajya Sabha and reply to debate.
But with the treasury benches not willing to concede to the demand, the Opposition members trooped into the Well shouting slogans and forcing adjournment during the pre-lunch session.