Picture : ANI/ X
In a massive show of strength, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, NCP chief Sharad Pawar and leaders of INDIA bloc took part in the ‘Save Democracy’ protest against mass suspension of MPs, at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor who took part in the protest told media, “In the history of democracy in the world, 146 MPs have never been suspended… People should know that democracy is in danger. The protest is to tell people that whatever is happening is wrong for the future of the country… There is only one solution, people should change this government and bring the INDIA Alliance into power…”
#WATCH | Delhi: On INDIA bloc protest against mass suspension of MPs, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, “In the history of democracy in the world, 146 MPs have never been suspended… People should know that the democracy is in danger. The protest is to tell the people that… pic.twitter.com/HlZJK9xp7c
— ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2023
Opposition leaders have called for the defeat of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, accusing the ruling party of stifling the voice of the Opposition.
At a protest held at the Jantar Mantar here against the suspension of 146 MPs from both Houses of Parliament during the Winter session, leaders of the Opposition INDIA bloc vowed to protect democracy.
#WATCH | At INDIA bloc protest at Jantar Mantar, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge says, “Under our Constitution, everyone has the right to speak. When we give notice (in Parliament) we are not even given a chance to read the notice. Should I say that the BJP govt is not… pic.twitter.com/42di2eObDR
— ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2023
Referring to the suspension of MPs, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar said the government is trying to silence the Opposition.
“They think they can silence the Opposition by doing this. We are ready to pay any price to save our democracy,” he said.
“Farmers are committing suicide, workers in factories are upset because they are not getting the right remuneration for their labour…Dalits are upset…We have to take responsibility, we will work hard and we will defeat this power that is attacking the Constitution,” Pawar said.
Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi said that by suspending nearly 150 opposition MPs from Parliament, the government had muffled the voices of the people of their constituencies.
#WATCH | At Jantar Mantar INDIA parties protest, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, “The media did not talk about unemployment in the country. But it talked about Rahul Gandhi recording a video where suspended MPs were sitting outside the Parliament…” pic.twitter.com/ulHivMwOwk
— ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2023
Communist Party of India-Marxist general secretary Sitaram Yechury said the government is answerable to Parliament.
“Our Constitution gives sovereignty to the people of India, which is implemented through our representatives. Government is answerable to Parliament and MPs are answerable to the people. This is the summary of our democracy,” he said.
