Special Parliament Session: Cong MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury says no one knows govt's agenda

LoP in Lok Sabha recalled how Speaker used to ring bell when former PM Nehru used to exceed his time limit during his speech.

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury raised doubts about the Special Session of the Parliament and said no one knows what is the agenda of the government.

Speaking in Lok Sabha during the special session on September 18, the Congress leader accused the Centre of not having due consultations with the opposition parties before calling the session.

He further said that India as a nation and civilisation is known for celebrating pluralism. "The government needs to take everyone along and make sure no one feels insecure. The government has to keep ego aside," he said.

Ruling members raised objection to Chowhdury's address, to which he replied, "The rules of the Parliament say that a member is entitled and allowed to express his ideas in the interest of the nation and speeches not be expunged."

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The Congress leader further said how their role as Opposition has been important. "We did show our apprehension when Article 370 was abrogated. Look at Kashmir, what is happening there. We should have maintained at least a two-minute silence for those officers, who were killed in action during a counter-insurgency operation in the valley," he added.

"The government of the day is trying to destabilise the government in non-BJP ruled states with the help of CBI, ED," he further added.

Chowdhury highlighted the contribution of the Congress government and said that under the leadership of former PM Rajiv Gandhi, a three-tier governance was implemented. "Congress government brought landmark policies such as Right to Information, Right to Education, National Food Security Act and MGNREGA, which was referred to as MAREGA (lifeless) by the present regime," he said.

"We have seen the glorious times under the leadership of Manmohan Singh, who was always referred to as Mon (silent). He talked less and worked a lot," he further added.

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Speaking on the formation of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Chandrayaan, he said, "There were discussions going on about Chandrayaan, I want to say that in 1946, under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, the Atomic Research Committee was formed. From there, we moved forward and developed ISRO in 1964. But today what will we call ISRO, if not the Indian Space Research Organisation then what? From where has this Bharat, India issue been raised?"

A special five-day session of the Parliament commenced on September 18 in the old Parliament building and will move to the new Parliament building on September 19 on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.

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