Buoyed by its good show in this general election that denied a majority to the BJP, the Opposition is gearing up to corner the ruling party on key issues in this session
In what appears to be a trailer to a stormy Parliament session, two senior parliamentarians of the ruling BJP and the Opposition Congress traded barbs this morning, hours before the new Lok Sabha meets.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister and senior BJP leader Kiren Rijiju posted a welcome message for members of the 18th Lok Sabha this morning. “The First Session of 18th Lok Sabha begins today, the 24th June, 2024. I welcome all the new elected hon’ble members. I shall be always available to assist the members as Minister of Parliamentary Affairs. I’m positively looking forward for co-ordination to run the house,” he said.
The First Session of 18th Lok Sabha begins today, the 24th June, 2024. I welcome all the new elected hon’ble members. I shall be always available to assist the members as Minister of Parliamentary Affairs. I’m positively looking forward for co-ordination to run the house. pic.twitter.com/kS3qdeO32O
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) June 24, 2024
The post drew a sharp barb from senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh. “Actions will speak louder than words Mr. Minister. Walk the Talk,” he said in reply to the minister’s post.
Actions will speak louder than words Mr. Minister. Walk the Talk https://t.co/DrsuYAXf3p
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) June 24, 2024
Mr Rijiju responded that the Congress leader can be an “asset to the House if you contribute positively”. “Absolutely @Jairam_Ramesh Ji. You are an intelligent member and you will be a valuable asset to the house if you contribute positively. Differences will remain amongst political parties in Parliamentary Democracy but we are united in our service to the nation. Looking forward to your cooperation in maintaining India’s rich Parliamentary traditions,” he said.
Actions will speak louder than words Mr. Minister. Walk the Talk https://t.co/DrsuYAXf3p
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) June 24, 2024
In no mood to back down, Mr Ramesh responded with a swipe featuring the National Testing Agency (NTA), which has left the government red-faced owing to irregularities in conduct of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test. “Thanks Mr. Minister. I hope your certificate of my intelligence is not like the NTA grading. Is it with grace marks?,” Mr Ramesh said.