JP Nadda Criticizes Opposition for Disregarding Parliamentary Procedures and Democratic Values
New Delhi, March 30. The Rajya Sabha witnessed a heated exchange between the ruling party and the opposition on Monday as Leader of the House JP Nadda leveled serious allegations against the Congress-led INDIA Alliance. He stated that the opposition lacks interest in debates and shows no respect for democratic values or parliamentary procedures.
According to Nadda, the conduct of the opposition parties indicates a lack of regard for the Constitution and the rules governing parliamentary proceedings. As per agency report, he pointed out that opposition members created constant disruptions even when a member was allotted time to speak during the Zero Hour. The confrontation began when BJP MP Dr. K. Laxman raised the issue of excluding the Muslim community from the Other Backward Classes category. During the Zero Hour, Laxman argued that the benefits of OBC reservation should be reserved exclusively for socially backward classes and should not be granted on the basis of religion.
This statement led to an uproar in the house as opposition leaders sought to express their views on the matter. However, since the rules did not permit them to speak at that time, the opposition staged a walkout from the house. Commenting on the walkout, JP Nadda remarked that such behavior signifies the opposition's lack of faith in democratic and parliamentary processes. He emphasized that while the government remains prepared to discuss every subject, the opposition is actively trying to avoid meaningful debate. He further alleged that certain opposition parties have been practicing vote bank politics and policies of appeasement for years, particularly in relation to the Muslim community.
Nadda also noted that there is no constitutional provision for providing reservation to Muslims under the OBC category. He mentioned that the Andhra Pradesh High Court had previously raised objections and overturned such provisions. Referencing the views of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, he stated that the OBC category was originally determined based on social and educational backwardness.
He reiterated that the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is ready for an open discussion on any issue and appealed to the opposition for constructive participation. Nadda concluded by condemning the opposition's behavior as unbecoming and harmful to democracy, advising them to adopt a new perspective and engage in productive parliamentary debates.
