A AKHTER

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju today hit out at opposition leaders, accusing them of insulting the mandate of the country. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Mr. Rijiju said the country wants to see that the discussion on the budget takes place in a good and meaningful manner.

He added that the way the leaders of some parties commented and the way they gave speeches have insulted the House by lowering the dignity. He called upon opposition parties to respect the mandate of the people. Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr. Rijiju said that elections are over and now the focus should be to work towards a Viksit Bharat and hold a constructive discussion on the Union Budget. He alleged that opposition leaders did not say anything on the budget; they just indulged in politics and abused the Prime Minister. 

The Parliamentary Affairs Minister said the floor leaders of political parties should direct the Members not to create ruckus and have a civilised and sensitive debate in the Parliament. He said the budget aims to make India the third largest economy, and there is allocation for infrastructure, provision for all sectors, for women, for employment, and for farmers. Mr. Rijiju said if the opposition does not understand, the public will punish them. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has come to power for the third time because of the public, and the opposition is trying to change the narrative. The Parliamentary Affairs Minister said the budget should be discussed in the budget session. He questioned the opposition running away from discussing the provisions in the budget made for farmers and tribal people.