Congress blocked Priyanka on pollution; her speech was more balanced: Rijiju

Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Friday said he was upset with Opposition parties for creating chaos and confusion even after initiating the debate on air pollution, and for not allowing their lead speaker on the issue, Priyanka Vadra Gandhi, to speak.

Speaking to India Today TV, Rijiju said, "It was listed in the name of Priyanka Vadra Gandhi. And she was to be their lead speaker. They themselves curtailed her chance to speak. Now, I don't want to draw any political conclusion on how the Congress party disrupted Priyanka Gandhi's chance to speak on pollution."

Rijiju then went on to say that the Congress derailed the discussion on pollution by climbing on chairs and tables, behaving in an "absolutely uncivilized and undemocratic" manner.

Sharing his observations on Priyanka Gandhi, Rijiju said her presentation was balanced and more acceptable compared to other Opposition members, noting that she maintained control over her speech and did not create any problems through her remarks. He added that he appreciated her approach and the manner in which she conducted herself during the presentation.

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