A day after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s intense criticism of the BJP caused a major uproar in the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed MPs of the ruling NDA, emphasising the importance of adhering to parliamentary rules and maintaining exemplary conduct on the House floor.
Prime Minister Modi’s address took place this morning at the NDA parliamentary party meeting, attended by top BJP leaders and ministers. This was his first address to NDA MPs since assuming office for a third consecutive term.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, speaking to the media after the meeting, shared that NDA MPs congratulated the Prime Minister on his third term and pledged their continued support.
“The Prime Minister delivered an important message, emphasising that all MPs are in Parliament to serve the nation. He urged the NDA MPs to prioritise this duty and guided us on proper conduct within the House,” said Rijiju.
The minister further elaborated that the Prime Minister instructed the MPs to follow parliamentary rules when raising issues related to their constituencies and national significance. “He asked us to uphold parliamentary traditions, maintain the democratic system and ensure our behaviour is exemplary,” he added, noting that all NDA MPs would adhere to the Prime Minister’s guidance.
Commenting on the previous day’s events, Rijiju said, “Yesterday, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi behaved inappropriately by turning his back towards the Speaker and insulting him. We must not emulate such behaviour. This is our lesson.”
When questioned if Rahul’s remarks and the ensuing ruckus in the Lok Sabha were discussed during today’s meeting, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister denied it.
Rahul, in his new role as Leader of the Opposition, launched a fierce attack on the BJP, accusing the ruling party of undermining the Constitution and misusing investigative agencies for political purposes.
His remarks, some of which were later expunged, provoked loud protests from the treasury benches, prompting Prime Minister Modi to intervene twice. BJP leaders accused Rahul of insulting Hindus while the Congress clarified that his comments were directed at the BJP and its ideological mentor RSS.
