'They Are MPs, Not Kids': Kiren Rijiju On Rebellion In Opposition Parties 

Last Updated:June 17, 2026, 15:35 IST

Rijiju said Members of Parliament are independent to make decisions based on their own judgment.

Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday addressed recent political realignments within opposition parties, saying such developments are a natural part of a democratic system and cannot be prevented.

Speaking at the News18 India Amrit Bharat Samman 2026 event in New Delhi, Rijiju said elected representatives are free to make their own political choices and cannot be compelled to remain aligned with a particular party or group.

“There are political circumstances. There is parliamentary democracy in India. Nothing is fixed in a democracy. Somebody will win, somebody will move here and there," Rijiju said.

Emphasising the distinction between democracy and authoritarian systems, the minister said, “There is no military rule or dictatorship in India. In a democracy, nobody can bind anyone."

Rijiju said Members of Parliament are independent to make decisions based on their own judgment.

“They are MPs, not children. They work with their own diligence and understanding. One can question why they made a particular decision, but nobody can stop them," he said.

Taking a swipe at opposition parties facing internal dissent, Rijiju added, “It is good that they are coming to our side."

His remarks come after 20 Trinamool Congress MPs moved to the Nationalist Congress Party of India (NCPI) and extended support to the BJP-led NDA.

About the Author

Saurabh VermaSenior Sub-editor

Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Chief Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

News india 'They Are MPs, Not Kids': Kiren Rijiju On Rebellion In Opposition Parties 

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