Intro:
Privilege motion row deepens amid allegations of misinformation.
New Delhi
A sharp political confrontation broke out on Friday as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress clashed over alleged remarks related to farmers and a proposed trade understanding with the United States. The exchange escalated into a dispute over a privilege motion, with both sides accusing each other of spreading misinformation.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh dismissed the Opposition’s allegations as baseless. What farmers’ issue? Lies, just like Rafale, are spreading confusion among people, he said, accusing Congress leaders of deliberately misleading the public. Referring to statements made by Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, Singh asserted that there would be no compromise on farmers’ interests.
He further alleged that the Opposition was attempting to incite unrest. They want to create confusion in the country; they want to incite a civil war in the nation, Singh claimed, adding that those raising the issue should face not only a privilege motion but possibly legal action as well. He emphasized that no joint statement had been signed yet and that discussions with the U.S. were still in the question-and-answer phase.
Responding strongly, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari termed the privilege motion politically motivated. He argued that anyone familiar with parliamentary procedure would find the proposal hollow and designed purely for publicity. Defending Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Tiwari stated that Gandhi can neither be intimidated nor threatened and remains committed to standing up for farmers and labourers.
Congress MP Rajeev Shukla echoed similar sentiments, insisting the party would continue opposing the proposed U.S. trade arrangement. He alleged that India’s interests had been compromised in the deal.
The heated exchange highlights escalating political tensions as debates over farmers’ welfare and international trade negotiations take centre stage in Parliament, with both sides digging in ahead of further discussions.