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Rahul Gandhi recently conducted a “mock interview” involving masks of PM Modi that drew rebuke from the BJP and INDIA bloc’s allies.
Rahul Gandhi has made headlines recently by repeatedly raising the US indictment of an Indian businessman, which has occupied much of the opposition’s debate points during the Winter Session of the Parliament. However, his recent ‘mock interview’ drew a stinging rebuke from a leader of the Samajwadi Party, an ally of Congress.
Recently, members of the INDIA bloc staged protests in the Parliament complex, demanding answers from the Modi government after the indictment. In one such protest on Monday, Rahul Gandhi conducted a mock interview with Congress members wearing masks of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the businessman.
Responding to these antics, Samajwadi Party leader IP Singh said Rahul Gandhi was behaving like an activist and his behaviour does not befit a politician within the parliament premises. “Rahul Gandhi should respect the dignity of a Leader of Opposition. Serious issues such as crippling inflation, unemployment, and MSP for farmers should be raised with due seriousness in Parliament,” he said on X.
अक्सर Activist ऐसी हरकतें करते रहते हैं।सच है कि राजनेता को संसद परिसर में यह सब शोभा नहीं देता।
श्री राहुल गांधी नेता विपक्ष हैं उसकी गरिमा का सदैव ध्यान रखना चाहिए।
कमरतोड़ मंहगाई, बेरोजगारी, किसानों को MSP जैसे मुद्दे गम्भीरता के साथ संसद में उठने चाहिए। https://t.co/jYmBUO7a4W
— I.P. Singh (@IPSinghSp) December 12, 2024
IP Singh’s strong remarks shone the light on a growing rift within the INDIA bloc. Notably, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Samajwadi Party have refrained from taking part of Congress’ protests, while NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule was also absent from Gandhi’s ‘mock interview’.
According to several reports, these parties were not on the same lines as the grand-old party. While the TMC wants a discussion on issues like price rise, unemployment, and deprivation of funds to the opposition states, the SP MPs have demanded a debate on the Sambhal violence.
The TMC and SP have already indicated that they want a discussion on serious issues that are affecting the people, instead of disrupting both Houses of Parliament over “one issue”. The rift has also widened after Congress’ apparent reluctance in appointing TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee as the convenor of the INDIA bloc.
The only time the alliance parties came together was when Congress decided to take on Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and move a no-confidence motion against him. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has mocked the opposition over these differences, saying it was nothing more than a band of enemies that had come together to oppose Modi.
The BJP reacted with fury after Rahul Gandhi’s “mock interview”, with Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan calling him a “comedian”, whose claims and rants against the government have crumbled. “Playing the role of a pawn to perfection, he yet again attempts to mislead despite his misinformation campaigns failing to cut ice with the people of India,” he said.
राहुल गांधी को तमाशा करने और प्रधानमंत्री को गाली देने में आनंद आता है लेकिन अन्य सांसदों के लिए उन लोगों के प्रति जिम्मेदारियां हैं जिन्होंने उन्हें चुना है। उसे बस यहां तमाशा करना है और फिर अपनी छुट्टियों का आनंद लेने के लिए विदेश जाना है।— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) December 10, 2024
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said MPs from Samajwadi Party, TMC and others are interested in a serious discussion in the Parliament session, but Rahul Gandhi wants to halt proceeedings by creating a “tamasha”.
“Rahul Gandhi Ji has nothing to lose because he can’t feel people’s pain & problem but other MPs do! He enjoys creating a scene and abusing the PM but other MPs have responsibilities towards the people who elected them,” he said.
Rahul Gandhi is indulging in what he does best—Stand-up comedy!His malicious claims and rants have crumbled under the weight of comprehensive investigation every time. Playing the role of a pawn to perfection, he yet again attempts to mislead despite his misinformation… https://t.co/vLVIM2yQR9
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) December 9, 2024
The ongoing session of the Parliament has seen repeated adjournments due to the clash between the BJP and the opposition. Today was no different, as the BJP’s allegations of the Congress-George Soros link led to chaos in both Houses, who adjourned the session till 2 pm.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda also slammed the Congress for moving a no-confidence motion against Vice President Dhankhar. “The Chair’s decisions, including those regarding admissibility, are beyond question. Criticising or questioning the Chairman’s rulings constitutes contempt of the House and disrespect towards the Chair,” he said.