Priyanka Gandhi slams block on raising public issues

Raising issues concerning the people is not drama but not allowing democratic discussion on them is, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said on Monday while hitting out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for accusing the Opposition of indulging in drama in Parliament.

Responding to Modi’s remarks ahead of the Winter session of Parliament, Priyanka Gandhi demanded a debate on urgent issues such as air pollution and SIR and said these were huge public issues that needed to be discussed in Parliament.

“What is Parliament for. It’s not drama. Speaking about issues and raising issues is not drama. Drama is not allowing discussion. Drama is not having a democratic discussion about issues that matter to the public,” she told reporters outside Parliament. “We have spoken about air pollution, why are we not raising it. Why are we not allowed to discuss these things,” she asked.

She termed the air quality issue in Delhi shameful and said everyone must come together to take strong steps to tackle the problem and save the health of children, the elderly and those already suffering from respiratory issues. “I really feel that this situation is shameful. This is the capital city of our country. I feel that we should set aside parties and all should put all our forces together - administrative, political, civil society, judicial and we should take some strong steps,” she said.

Citing a study, she said 22 lakh children have permanent damage to their lungs, apparently due to air pollution. “How one can do this to our children. There are old people who are suffering, people who have asthma already and people who have other respiratory issues, hospitals are full of respiratory issues. How can we sit here and do nothing.

“I really feel that all of us should get together and take strong steps. We are here to support the government. The Central government and state government must take immediate action,” the Congress leader said.

Hitting out at the opposition for stalling parliamentary proceedings earlier in the day, Modi said, “We need to work with a sense of responsibility. Parliament is not a place for drama, it is a place for delivery.”

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament ahead of the Winter session, he said the session must not become a stage for political theatrics but a platform for constructive and result-driven debate, and offered to give the opposition tips to bring positivity in politics.

“For some time now, our Parliament is being used either as a warm-up arena for elections or as an outlet for frustration after defeat,” he said.

“The Winter Session must reflect balance, responsibility and the dignity expected from public representatives,” he said.

The record turnout witnessed in the Bihar elections is the biggest strength of democracy, he said, adding the Opposition too should fulfil its responsibility and come out of its “depression” after the loss in elections.

The prime minister said the game the Opposition has been playing for the last 10 years is no longer acceptable to the people. “They should change their strategy - I am ready to give them a few tips,” Modi said.

He urged all parties to recognise the purpose of Parliament and “come out of the frustration of defeat”. Prime Minister Modi added that he had heard statements of leaders of certain opposition parties that suggest their inability to accept electoral outcomes.

“There are one or two parties that are unable to accept their defeat. From the statements I heard yesterday, it seems that the loss has deeply troubled them,” he said.

The prime minister also stressed that opportunities should be given to the new generation of Members of Parliament. “The House should benefit from their experiences, and through this House, the nation should also gain from their fresh perspective,” Modi said.