Language used by Opposition doesn't benefit our democracy: Amit Shah

Amit Shah

The language that’s used in today’s politics by the opposition doesn’t benefit our democracy, Union Home Minister Amit Shah told Network 18.

"I would appeal to the citizens, that those who speak foul language should be punished," Shah told Network 18 Group Editor in Chief Rahul Joshi in an exclusive interview.

He said what’s happening today is "unfortunate", while referring to the statements of opposition leaders on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Politics is a space of principles," stated Shah.

It’s the duty of the opposition to speak about the corruption or felony committed by any politician in power, said the Home Minister. "But, because, ultimately nothing is proven, saying such baseless things…using foul language is not appropriate for Indian democracy."

Last month, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had slammed the Opposition parties for the "abuses" hurled against PM Modi and his late mother during the Voter Adhikar Yatra of Congress in Bihar.

In August, a viral video purportedly showed derogatory remarks against PM Modi and his late mother at a rally in Darbhanga on Thursday during Rahul Gandhi's Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar. A 33-second video from the rally in Darbhanga district - at which Congress flags were waved, confetti shot into the air, and party workers on stage screamed into loudspeakers - was widely shared.

On the disruptions caused in Parliament, Amit Shah said that the rules and principles of Parliament should be respected and followed. "From the first day only, opposition disrupts the session, and then claim that they weren’t allowed to speak," said Shah.

"Parliament can’t function in freestyle. There are rules, which have stayed since ages, for Parliament’s functioning. Those rules should be followed. A respected Parliamentarian is the one who follows such rules," Shah said.

"But I know, my words won’t make any difference. But I want to tell the citizens, that PM Modi has ensured that Parliamentary discipline should be followed," he added.

Earlier, Home Minister Amit Shah launched Network18's coffee table book 'Modi At 75' that brings together 75 defining moments from the Prime Minister’s remarkable journey.