Congress on Wednesday accused the Centre of adopting a "fascist approach and dictatorial agenda" in stifling the Opposition's voice by not allowing a discussion on crucial issues like lynching and questioned the Prime Minister's silence on the issue.
leader of Congress in lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge asked why the Congress and other Opposition parties were denied the right to raise issues of national concern and why the Prime Minister and the BJP are avoiding a debate on lynching.
Kharge accused the Government of displaying an autocratic attitude by not discussing issues in the House and suspending those who demand a discussion on important issues, saying "we don't agree with such an attitude". "Does he want to work in a democracy, as the leader always gives a statement in the House on important issues and when there is a crisis. He comes for 5-10 minutes and goes. This is like ending democracy and the Constitution," he said.
Kharge also alleged that the Speaker took the decision of suspending six Congress members demanding a discussion on lynching "only after the Government exerted pressure".
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again shied away from the debate in lok Sabha, escaping accountability and answers that people of India seek in the light of all pervading volatility. PM choses to speak in captive audiences and BJP rallies but misses every opportunity for a meaningful debate in the House," Kharge said.
Thakur warned for shooting video inside lok Sabha
Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Wednesday warned BJP MP Anurag Thakur for allegedly shooting a video of Opposition protests on his mobile phone, though she said she did not know what had happened at that point of time in the House as there was a din. "I am warning you... Dobara galti nahi honi chahiye (the mistake should not be repeated)."
Some Opposition members, including those from the Congress, had complained about Thakur shooting a video of their protests on July 24 inside the House. AAP member Bhagwant Mann, who was himself suspended for two sessions for taking a video in the Parliament complex, had also written a letter in this regard to the Speaker.
leader of Congress in lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge condemned and questioned the adoption of different yardsticks by suspending the opposition members and letting off Thakur with a mere warning.