New Delhi: Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday slammed the BJP-led government at the Centre over a wide range of issues including , the India-China border situation, and asserted that the refusal to allow a parliamentary debate on such a matter of grave national concern shows disrespect for our ‘democracy’ by the ruling dispensation.
The Congress has been demanding a discussion over the Chinese issue in the ongoing Winter session of the Parliament, and accused the government of running away from a debate on the same.
Chairing the meeting of the CPP at the Central Hall of Parliament, in presence of party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Party leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the senior Congress leader while raising the China issue said that the continuing alleged incursions by China is a matter of serious concern.
Citing that the whole nation stands with our vigilant soldiers , she said, “The government, however, stubbornly refuses to allow a discussion on the issue in Parliament. As a result, Parliament, political parties and the people remain ignorant of the true situation on the ground.”
The Congress MP from Rae Bareli added, “When facing a significant national challenge, it has been the tradition in our country to bring Parliament into confidence. A debate can shed light on several critical questions. ”
“Why is China emboldened to continually attack us? What preparations have been made to repel these attacks, and what more needs to be done? What is the Government’s policy to deter China from future incursions? Given that we continue to have a severe trade deficit with China, importing far more than we export, why is there no economic response to China’s military hostility? What is the government’s diplomatic outreach to the global community? ,” she asked.
The parliamentarian said that it is the duty of the government to inform the public and explain its policies and actions on such issue as she asserted that a frank discussion strengthens the nation’s response.
“The refusal to allow a parliamentary debate on such a matter of grave national concern shows disrespect for our democracy, and reflects poorly on the government’s intentions. It demonstrates its inability to bring the nation together,” the CPP chairperson said.
On economic situation, she said, “The economic situation continues to be distressing, despite the government’s repeated insistence that all is well.The price of daily commodities continue their intolerable rise, placing a heavy burden on crores of households.”
Taking a swipe at the ruling BJP over unemployment issue, the MP said, “The inability to provide jobs, especially for the youth, has been a feature of this government’s tenure. Even as the Prime Minister hands over appointment letters for a few thousand, crores more face an uncertain future with government vacancies unfilled, exams unreliable, and PSUs being privatised.”
Referring to demonetisation and GST, she said, “Small businesses, which generate the bulk of employment in the country, are still struggling to survive after the repeated blows of demonetisation, a poorly implemented GST, and a mismanaged response to the Covid pandemic.”
On farmers issue, the MP said, “Farmers seem to be no longer the government’s priority after it’s ‘misguided’ attempt at forcing down the three farm laws.”
Accusing the ruling dispensation following divisive policies, the MP said, “Such divisions weaken us and make us more vulnerable. It must be the government’s endeavour and responsibility to unite our people, not divide them as it has been doing these past several years.”
Referring to the recently concluded Assembly and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) polls, the CPP chairperson said , “The recently concluded elections have seen the Congress form a government in Himachal Pradesh, even as the results in Gujarat and Delhi have been unfortunate. ”
Congratulating her party colleagues in Himachal Pradesh for the victory, she said, “Now, it is time to fulfil the promises made to the people of Himachal.”
Among others, she also mentioned about the Bharat Jodo Yatra and said,
“The response to the yatra shows clearly that most Indians desire peace, harmony and social and economic equality.
