Sharing his observations on Priyanka Gandhi, Kiren Rijiju said her presentation was balanced and more acceptable compared to other Opposition members, noting that she maintained control over her speech and did not create any problems through her remarks.
Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Friday said he was upset with Opposition parties for creating chaos and confusion even after initiating the debate on air pollution, and for not allowing their lead speaker on the issue, Priyanka Vadra Gandhi, to speak.
Speaking to India Today TV, Rijiju said, “It was listed in the name of Priyanka Vadra Gandhi. And she was to be their lead speaker. They themselves curtailed her chance to speak. Now, I don’t want to draw any political conclusions on how the Congress party disrupted Priyanka Gandhi’s chance to speak on pollution.”
Rijiju then went on to say that the Congress derailed the discussion on pollution by climbing on chairs and tables, behaving in an “absolutely uncivilised and undemocratic” manner.
Sharing his observations on Priyanka Gandhi, Rijiju said her presentations during the Winter Session were balanced and more acceptable compared to other Opposition members, noting that she maintained control over her speech and did not create any problems through her remarks. He added that he appreciated her approach and the manner in which she conducted herself during the presentation.
When asked whether it was easier for him, as the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, to deal with Priyanka and Sonia Gandhi than Rahul Gandhi, Rijiju said Priyanka was slightly more engaged in terms of the exchange of views and ideas.
“She listens. That is what I have observed,” he told India Today TV.
Coming back to the ruckus in Parliament over deteriorating air quality in Delhi, Rijiju said the entire day had been earmarked for a detailed discussion on pollution, with time already allocated. However, he alleged that the Congress suddenly climbed onto chairs and tables, disrupted parliamentary proceedings and created a ruckus.
Looking back at the Winter session, he pointed out that the Opposition had demanded eight hours of discussion on the Shanti Bill and G Ram G, and the government had agreed, even expressing readiness to sit through the night or carry the discussion into the next day.
Drawing a contrast with his time in the Opposition, Rijiju said that the UPA government earlier often curtailed debate, whereas the current government was willing to allow as much time as sought.
