Chandigarh: Leader of opposition in Punjab Assembly Partap Singh Bajwa on Friday condemned the reported attempts to expel Rahul Gandhi, the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, terming it a dangerous precedent that strikes at the core of India’s democratic framework.Bajwa said Parliament is the highest forum of accountability in a democracy, and raising questions on behalf of the people could not be treated as an offence. “If asking questions in Parliament becomes a crime, then democracy itself stands on trial. Rahul Gandhi, as leader of opposition, has a constitutional responsibility to question the govt on matters of national importance. Any attempt to penalise him for fulfilling that duty weakens the very foundation of our republic,” said the Congress leader.He further said labelling Rahul Gandhi’s parliamentary interventions as “anti-national” reflected a growing intolerance towards democratic scrutiny. “Threatening to expel him exposes a deep discomfort with accountability. A confident govt responds to questions with facts and debate, not with intimidation and procedural threats,” Bajwa added.The senior leader emphasised that the present controversy was not about any single document or remark, but about the broader attempt to stifle dissent. “This is not about a book; this is about silencing scrutiny. India’s parliamentary traditions are built on robust debate and mutual respect. Weaponising parliamentary procedures against the opposition undermines these traditions and diminishes the dignity of Parliament,” he said.Bajwa called upon all democratic forces to protect the sanctity of Parliament and ensure that the right to question the govt remained safeguarded. “The people of India expect transparency and accountability,” he said.MSID:: 128308990 413 |
