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Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju at a press conference in New Delhi on Friday. Union Ministers Arjun Ram Meghwal and L Murugan are also seen. (ANI)
THE NDA government on Friday accused the Opposition of “stalling” the proposed debate on air pollution and Congress turning its back on the issue.
“We wanted to discuss pollution, the Opposition had asked for it but the Congress said it is not important; they created a ruckus so we could not have a discussion on pollution. That is a slight regret,” Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said.
Addressing the customary press conference following the conclusion of the Winter Session of Parliament, Rijiju said the session, otherwise, was “very productive” as eight Bills which would benefit crores of citizens were passed after debates in both Houses.
“Overall, we are very happy with the outcome and net result of the Winter Session of Parliament. A very significant Bill from the point of view of the country has been passed… Narendra Modi ji’s reform express has started, it is through this that Bharat will become Viksit Bharat,” the Union minister said, referring to the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 (VB-G RAM G).
On the proposed debate on air pollution, Rijiju said the government was fully ready for the discussion and the minister concerned was ready after the subject was listed in the name of three members — Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (Congress), Kanimozhi (DMK) and Bansuri Swaraj (BJP).
“We were fully prepared for the debate on pollution. But the Congress encouraged others to stage protests (on VB-G RAM G Bill) in the Well of the House. They threw papers, paper planes and stood atop desks and stalled the proceedings. I want to tell the opposition that they won’t get votes through such tactics. Only good work will get them votes,” he said.
He said some MPs showed “unacceptable behaviour” during the debate and conveyed that they did not want any discussion on pollution in the national capital region.
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He said the discussion on the national song Vande Mataram saw members of all political parties take part in it.
On the debate on election reforms, Rijiju said it was for the first time the country saw discussions on the crucial subject as demanded by the Opposition. “We allocated more time than the Opposition sought for the debates,” he said.
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