New Delhi, August 12 (UNI): Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi, along with other Opposition leaders, on Thursday accused the government of bringing outsiders dressed as marshals in Rajya Sabha and physically assaulting MPs, after members of several opposition parties marched from Parliament House to Vijay Chowk holding placards.
Opposition MPs have alleged they were assaulted by the marshals, while the government has accused them of misbehaving with the security personnel. The government also denied calling “outsiders” into the House.
Gandhi said the voice of 60% of Indians was silenced as the Opposition was not allowed to speak. He called it a murder of democracy.
“As far as 60% of the country is concerned, there has been no Parliament session. Voice of 60% of this country has been crushed, humiliated and yesterday in the Rajya Sabha, physically beaten,” he said.
“We asked the government to debate Pegasus (snooping row). The government refused to debate Pegasus. We raise the issue of farm laws, and price rise outside the Parliament because we are not allowed (to do so) inside Parliament. Today we have come here to speak to you because we are not allowed to speak in Parliament,” he said.
“This is nothing short of murder of democracy of this country,” he said.
Opposition leaders, including Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, NCP leader Prafful Patel, Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut, RJD’s Maoj Jha, DMK’s Tiruhi Siva and leaders from several other Opposition parties were present.
Asked Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu, being upset about disruptions, an angry Rahul Gandhi said it was the first time MPs were beaten up, and questioned what the Chairman was doing.
