IT News
New Delhi, Dec 5:
In a heated session of the Lok Sabha today, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sushmita Dev accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of avoiding discussions on pressing national issues, including unemployment and the ongoing crisis in Manipur. Her remarks came amidst growing tension between the opposition and treasury benches over the functioning of the House.
Speaking during Zero Hour, Dev criticized the BJP’s approach to parliamentary proceedings, alleging that opposition MPs were being systematically sidelined. “BJP MPs get six minutes to speak in Zero Hour, whereas opposition MPs are given less than three minutes. This disparity highlights the BJP’s unwillingness to engage in meaningful debate,” Dev said.
The TMC MP further accused the government of running the session unilaterally. “The BJP is bulldozing the voice of the opposition. They are not ready to discuss critical issues such as unemployment or the deteriorating situation in Manipur,” she added.
Dev also expressed confusion over the abrupt adjournment of the Rajya Sabha earlier in the day. “I don’t understand why the Rajya Sabha was adjourned. It appears to be another tactic to avoid addressing uncomfortable topics,” she remarked, calling for greater transparency in parliamentary proceedings.
The opposition has consistently demanded discussions on two key issues: the alarming rate of unemployment and the escalating violence in Manipur. Despite repeated calls for debates, these topics have largely been sidestepped in the ongoing session. The crisis in Manipur, in particular, has drawn national and international attention due to ethnic tensions and the displacement of thousands, making it a priority issue for the opposition.
Dev’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment among opposition parties, who accuse the BJP of stifling parliamentary democracy by not allowing adequate time for debate and by using its majority to sideline dissenting voices.
The BJP has not yet responded to Dev’s allegations in the House, though party leaders have previously maintained that disruptions from the opposition impede parliamentary discussions.
The session is expected to remain contentious as the opposition continues to push for debates on these critical issues, asserting their role in holding the government accountable.
