Union Minister Kiren Rijiju lashed out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on Indian democracy, alleging that the latter spoke in the language and lines that have been used by anti-India forces.
“What Rahul Gandhi says is the same language used by those who are anti-India both in the country and outside,” said Rijiju. The minister's comments came on a day when the parliament was adjourned again amid uproar over the Congress leader's remarks.
During his visit to the United Kingdom (UK) this month, Rahul criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the BJP's ideological parent Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and the state of Indian democracy under Modi. The BJP has also latched on the comments and has alleged that Rahul insulted India abroad and has said he should apologise for it.
What did Kiren Rijiju say?
Responding to a question, the minister said if the Congress party feels there is nothing wrong in what he says then it does not deserve to represent the section of people in Parliament. "If he dooms Congress through his acts, we have no interest in them. But he has no right to defame India through his words. We will not tolerate it," he said.
The minister said Gandhi "lied" about India in London. First, he said he was not allowed to speak in Parliament, which is totally "incorrect" as he spoke more than the allocated time and he spoke freely. Whatever he spoke had no substance, he maintained.
Secondly, Rijiju said, Gandhi said he was not allowed to speak in colleges and universities and such "lies" hurt the nation. "This is also completely false. During his yatra, he spoke every day multiple times criticizing the government. Gandhi is the most spoken person in the country," he said. The minister said Gandhi is "hurting" the dignity of Parliament despite being its member and he has "insulted" the Constitution and judiciary.
Rahul Gandhi's response
According to a report by Hindustan Times, Rahul Gandhi said, “I didn’t speak anything anti-India (in London seminar). If they will allow I will speak inside the parliament."
He arrived in Parliament House after his return from abroad and said he has said nothing against India or the Parliament during his London visit. He said it will not be to the BJP's liking when he speaks inside Parliament. He further said that if he is not allowed, he would speak outside Parliament.
(With inputs from PTI)
