Parliament – Kharge Accuses PM of Dodging Key Questions in Rajya Sabha

Parliament – Tensions flared in Parliament on Friday as Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of sidestepping crucial issues raised by the Opposition during his recent address.

Kharge Questions Prime Minister’s Silence

Speaking to reporters after proceedings in the Rajya Sabha, Kharge said the Prime Minister failed to respond directly to concerns raised by Rahul Gandhi during the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address. According to the Congress leader, the Prime Minister’s speech lacked clarity on pressing national matters and did not address specific questions posed by the Opposition benches.

Kharge alleged that instead of offering concrete responses, the Prime Minister devoted much of his 97-minute reply to general reflections on India’s journey over decades. He argued that the speech did not engage meaningfully with the issues currently facing the country.

Reference to Memoirs and Documents

The Congress president also referred to disclosures connected to former Army chief General M.M. Naravane’s memoirs, claiming that the government appeared uncomfortable with the details mentioned in the book. He questioned statements suggesting the memoir had not yet been published, asserting that the text was indeed available.

In addition, Kharge mentioned revelations linked to what he described as the “Epstein files,” contending that such developments have raised uncomfortable questions for those in power. He claimed these matters have contributed to what he described as visible unease within the ruling establishment.

Allegations of Misrepresentation

Kharge further criticized the Prime Minister over remarks concerning a reported verbal exchange between Rahul Gandhi and BJP MP Ravneet Singh Bittu in Parliament. He accused the government of attempting to misrepresent the situation for political gain.

Responding to allegations that the Congress had disrespected the Sikh community, Kharge strongly rejected the claim. He pointed out that it was the Congress-led government that appointed Manmohan Singh as India’s first Sikh Prime Minister, describing it as evidence of the party’s commitment to inclusive leadership.

Debate Over Intelligence and Security

Another point of contention was the Prime Minister’s decision not to reply to the discussion on the Motion of Thanks in the Lok Sabha. Kharge cited remarks indicating that the Speaker had referred to intelligence inputs while advising against a response.

Questioning this explanation, Kharge asked why similar intelligence mechanisms had not prevented past security incidents, including the Pulwama attack. He argued that invoking intelligence considerations in parliamentary procedure raised broader concerns about accountability and transparency.

Political Climate Intensifies

The exchange underscores the growing intensity of debate between the government and the Opposition as Parliament continues its session. The Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address traditionally provides an opportunity for members to review government policies and outline alternative viewpoints. This year’s discussion has highlighted deep divisions over governance, national security, and political accountability.

While the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has maintained that the Prime Minister’s speech addressed the nation’s long-term vision and development trajectory, Opposition leaders insist that immediate questions remain unanswered. The sharp rhetoric from both sides reflects a broader political environment marked by heightened scrutiny and electoral positioning.

As proceedings continue, attention remains focused on whether further clarifications will emerge in Parliament or whether the political standoff will deepen in the coming days.