GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 24th June. In what appears to be a prelude to a stormy Parliament session, senior parliamentarians from the ruling BJP and the Opposition Congress exchanged sharp remarks this morning, mere hours before the new Lok Sabha meets.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister and senior BJP leader Kiren Rijiju posted a welcome message for members of the 18th Lok Sabha this morning. “The First Session of 18th Lok Sabha begins today, the 24th June, 2024. I welcome all the newly elected hon’ble members. I shall always be available to assist the members as Minister of Parliamentary Affairs. I’m positively looking forward to coordination to run the house,” he said.
The First Session of 18th Lok Sabha begins today, the 24th June, 2024. I welcome all the new elected hon'ble members. I shall be always available to assist the members as Minister of Parliamentary Affairs. I'm positively looking forward for co-ordination to run the house. pic.twitter.com/kS3qdeO32O
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) June 24, 2024
The post drew a sharp response from senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh. “Actions will speak louder than words Mr. Minister. Walk the Talk,” he replied.
Actions will speak louder than words Mr. Minister. Walk the Talk https://t.co/DrsuYAXf3p
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) June 24, 2024
Rijiju responded, suggesting that the Congress leader can be an “asset to the House if you contribute positively.” He added, “Absolutely @Jairam_Ramesh Ji. You are an intelligent member and you will be a valuable asset to the house if you contribute positively. Differences will remain amongst political parties in Parliamentary Democracy but we are united in our service to the nation. Looking forward to your cooperation in maintaining India’s rich Parliamentary traditions.”
Actions will speak louder than words Mr. Minister. Walk the Talk https://t.co/DrsuYAXf3p
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) June 24, 2024
In no mood to back down, Ramesh replied with a swipe referencing the National Testing Agency (NTA), which has been criticized for irregularities in conducting the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). “Thanks Mr. Minister. I hope your certificate of my intelligence is not like the NTA grading. Is it with grace marks?” Ramesh retorted.
Thanks Mr. Minister. I hope your certificate of my intelligence is not like the NTA grading. Is it with grace marks? https://t.co/dOe7NLVGkW
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) June 24, 2024
Buoyed by its strong performance in the general election that denied a majority to the BJP, the Opposition is gearing up to corner the ruling party on key issues. Among the most pressing are the alleged mismanagement in the conduct of all-India competitive exams such as NEET (UG and PG) and UGC-NET.
Another emerging flashpoint between the treasury and the Opposition benches is the election of the pro-tem Speaker. The BJP has chosen its seven-time MP Bhartruhari Mahtab for the temporary post, but the Congress has questioned why its eight-time MP K Suresh was not selected. Rijiju explained that Suresh’s term in the House is not uninterrupted, but the Congress is not ready to budge and has announced that members of the INDIA Opposition bloc will not assist the pro-tem Speaker in administering the oath to the new MPs.
As the session begins, the tone set by these exchanges suggests a contentious period ahead, with the Opposition set to challenge the ruling party on several fronts.
Comments are closed.