In a fiery press conference, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju unleashed a sharp critique against the Congress party over the disruption of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address in the Lok Sabha. Speaking at the BJP state headquarters in the capital on Saturday, Rijiju asserted that the ruling coalition holds the numerical strength to run the House with marshals if needed. ‘We have the numbers. We could deploy marshals and conduct proceedings, but we believe in democracy,’ he declared emphatically.
Rijiju set the context by highlighting the recent Union Budget, which he praised for its focus on eastern India, particularly Bihar. He noted that Bihar’s progress is intertwined with the nation’s future, serving as a gateway to the Northeast. The budget, rooted in the foundations laid since 2014, includes schemes for MSMEs, railway projects, and rural employment in Bihar, injecting fresh momentum into the region’s development.
Turning to the parliamentary drama, Rijiju pointed out that heated debates are the lifeblood of democracy, but stalling the House is unacceptable. Despite opposition intransigence, the government prefers dialogue over force. Over 40 Congress MPs met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, yet the dignity of the Prime Minister’s office demands respect. Birla himself suggested Modi speak in the Rajya Sabha first, showcasing procedural patience.
Rijiju lauded Modi’s third term as the launchpad for sweeping reforms. ‘The Reform Express is on track and unstoppable, aiming for a developed India by 2047,’ he said. A high-level reform committee is tackling systemic bottlenecks, ensuring sustained progress. This episode underscores the NDA’s commitment to democratic norms amid political turbulence, setting the stage for robust legislative discourse.