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Kiren Rijiju Says Parliament Disruptions Hurt Opposition More, Urges Respect for Democratic Role

Kiren Rijiju Says Parliament Disruptions Hurt Opposition More, Urges Respect for Democratic Role

Last Updated Jul - 26 - 2025, 05:13 PM | Source : Fela News

At the Sansad Ratna Awards 2025, Kiren Rijiju stressed that frequent disruptions weaken the Opposition’s role in democracy. He urged for constructive debates, m
Kiren Rijiju Says Parliament Disruptions Hurt Opposition More
Kiren Rijiju Says Parliament Disruptions Hurt Opposition More

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday (July 26, 2025) said that repeated disruptions in Parliament ultimately damage the Opposition more than the government, as they forfeit the opportunity to hold the ruling party accountable. His comments came during the Sansad Ratna Awards ceremony, following a largely unproductive first week of the monsoon session, marred by constant Opposition protests.

“At times, bureaucrats are relieved when Parliament doesn’t function,” Rijiju remarked, highlighting how adjournments protect ministers from difficult questions. “Opposition members think they’re hurting the government by stalling proceedings. But they’re weakening their own democratic role,” he said.

Emphasising the importance of parliamentary debate, Rijiju said, “Governments must answer to the people through Parliament. That’s why the House must run smoothly.”

Reflecting on his journey in Parliament, Rijiju said he never viewed Opposition MPs as enemies. Citing Winston Churchill, he noted, “Your opponents sit across from you. Your enemies sit behind you,” referring to intra-party rivalries.

Rijiju also spoke about the pressures Indian MPs face compared to their global counterparts. “In the UK, an MP represents about 66,000 people. In India, one MP represents over 20 lakh. Our MPs deal with everything — from local issues and personal grievances to law enforcement — while also handling legislative responsibilities,” he said.

He lamented the frequent criticism of MPs despite their workload and called for greater public appreciation. Recalling a humorous moment from his early years, Rijiju said Speaker Somnath Chatterjee once scolded him for asking for a smoking room, a lesson in taking parliamentary decorum seriously.

Commenting on the media’s evolving role, he said Parliament coverage today often prioritises noise over substance. “Earlier, serious speeches made headlines. Now it’s all about who caused the most disruption. Even major policy announcements like Sharad Pawar’s agriculture reforms go unnoticed.”

Rijiju congratulated Sansad Ratna Award winners, including Supriya Sule, Bhartruhari Mahtab, N.K. Premachandran, and Shrirang Appa Barne. “Whenever a parliamentarian is recognised for good work, we must rise above party lines to celebrate it,” he said.

Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, Chairperson of the National Commission for Backward Classes, also spoke, criticising Opposition leaders for allegedly tarnishing India’s image abroad.

 

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