Insult to Parliament: PM Modi slams Opposition for tearing papers, making 'derogatory' remark

Modir was also anguished at the derogatory references to parliamentary procedures; Derek O'Brien had called the passing bills akin to making 'papri chaat'

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Credit: PTI Photos

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday fumed at the opposition for “insulting” Parliament by repeated disruptions and “derogatory” references to the legislative process, but asked BJP members to exercise restraint.

This was the third consecutive week at the BJP Parliamentary Party meeting that the prime minister has vented his ire at the opposition, particularly Congress and Trinamool Congress, for criticising the government’s Covid-19 response and repeated disruptions of Parliament proceedings.

Modi highlighted specific instances – both of Trinamool members – the snatching of papers from IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and certain “derogatory” remarks made regarding the passing of bills in Parliament. He also referred to the instance of opposition members tearing papers and flinging them at the presiding officer in the Lok Sabha.

Also read — Govt pushes three bills without discussion as Congress members throw papers, torn placards at Chair in Lok Sabha

At the same time Modi advised BJP members not to get provoked by the opposition, exercise restraint and ensure maximum attendance in their respective Houses.

The Prime Minister expressed anger at the conduct of some opposition members and noted that those who tore papers and threw it around have remained unrepentant, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi told reporters.

While Trinamool member in Rajya Sabha, Shantanu Sen, had snatched papers from Vaishnaw’s hands, Congress members had torn papers and flung placards in the Lok Sabha.

The prime minister was also anguished at the derogatory references to parliamentary procedures, an apparent mention of Trinamool Congress member Derek O’Brien.

“In the first 10 days, Modi-Shah rushed through and passed 12 Bills at an average time of UNDER SEVEN MINUTES per Bill. Passing legislation or making papri chaat,” O’Brien had said on Monday.

Also read — Passing legislation or making 'papdi chaat': TMC MP Derek O'Brien slams Centre

Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi made a reference to O’Brien’s remarks in the Rajya Sabha and demanded an apology.

“One member has stated the bills are being passed like 'chaat papri',” Naqvi said, adding this was an insult to the House and demanded an apology.

Joshi too supported Naqvi saying the MP from Trinamool should apologise as his comments were “insult of the Parliament, insult of people of India... it is the greatest insult in using such a phrase. Most unfortunate.”