After opposition members raised a commotion in the House the day before, protesting against former Union minister Anurag Thakur’s divisive statement, the Lok Sabha was postponed until 12 p.m. on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Thakur launched an attack on the opposition, claiming that those whose caste was unknown were discussing the caste census. The opposition’s leader, Rahul Gandhi, responded by stating that “whoever talks and fights for SCs, STs, OBCs will face such abuses. I gladly accept such abuse.” Gandhi had earlier on Monday pledged a caste census if an INDIA group were to win power. I happily take such mistreatment. Congressmen pressed Thakur to apologize, but he made it clear that he did not mention any names. “Anurag Thakur has abused me and insulted me. But I do not want any apology from him,” declared Gandhi.
Also Read: IMD Issues Warning As Water Levels Of Ladakh’s Rivers Rise Due To Glacial Melt
The Opposition members persisted in their demonstration by swarming into the Well of the House on Wednesday, brandishing placards, and yelling slogans. Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju addressed them during question hour, stating, , “The Opposition and Rahul Gandhi rally about caste the whole day, but when we ask about their caste, they create issues.”
Rijiju further said that by criticizing the army and “tarnishing” India’s democracy, the Congress is “weakening the morale” of the nation. He also asked the Opposition to follow parliamentary procedures.
Speaker Om Birla counseled the opposition against holding placards and denounced their behavior. Additionally, he cautioned Gandhi, saying, “This is not right. You cannot stop someone from your own side… they have the freedom to raise issues.”
