New Delhi erupted in political drama today as Congress President and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, led a walkout alongside other opposition leaders. The protest came right in the middle of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response to the President’s address in the Rajya Sabha.
Speaking to reporters after the walkout, Kharge didn’t mince words. ‘We wanted to listen to the Prime Minister fully,’ he said, ‘but for the past four days, we’ve seen Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi being denied a chance to speak in the Lok Sabha. We had crucial points to raise in the interest of democracy and the public – from farmer welfare to unemployment.’
Kharge highlighted the opposition’s unity and their demand for fair play. ‘Give Rahul Gandhi time to speak, and we’ll participate. But the government’s intent is clear: no voice for opposition leaders in either House.’ He pointed to alleged compromises on farmer interests in US deals, blind adherence to Trump’s words, foreign policy lapses, social justice failures, and rampant joblessness.
The Congress chief drew a stark contrast. ‘Our leaders fought for independence, endured jail, battled the British – yet one individual hurls insults at them from the House, mic in hand, while the government stays silent. Has BJP ever condemned this?’ Kharge condemned the disrespect to opposition icons and vowed continued protest until fairness is restored.
With Lok Sabha stalled for days, Kharge warned that stifling debate undermines Parliament’s pillars. ‘Both Houses make Parliament. Hiding mistakes by gagging opposition harms democracy and the nation.’ As tensions simmer, the opposition’s walkout signals a deeper crisis in legislative functioning, raising questions about governance transparency ahead of key sessions.