NEW DELHI: A heated exchange of words erupted in the Rajya Sabha between Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday after the Congress chief demanded a discussion on the West Asia conflict, which he said has led to an LPG shortage and rise in cylinder prices.
When the Chairman permitted the minister to speak on the bills listed for discussion, Kharge said the BJP has time to pass a legislation but not to debate the Iran war despite notices. Kharge said, “LPG prices are rising, but they (government) don’t want to discuss it. Whatever we suggest, they disagree. What they want, they enforce it forcibly. Is it a democracy?”
Rijiju said Opposition leaders were absent from the all-party meeting on the crisis. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made statements on the matter in both Houses. Kharge questioned the Prime Minister’s absence.
“Just as the PM sent his representative, we also sent our representatives,” he said. Rijiju criticised the Congress for politicising an issue that he said is not directly linked to India. “The Prime Minister reduced excise duties so that people do not suffer due to rising costs. Despite handling such a big crisis, you are politicising the matter. This is a time to stand united and not do politics,” Rijiju said.
The minister alleged that Kharge’s only role in the House is to insult the PM. Kharge demanded that minister withdraw his remarks.