Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday said that the suspension of the 12 Rajya Sabha MPs was ‘outrageous’ and ‘unprecedented, adding that the decision, ‘shook us all. She also added that the suspension for the entire winter session of Parliament is a violation of the Constitution and the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States.
She said this during a speech at the general body meeting of the CPP (Congress Parliamentary Party). Regarding the killings and violence in Nagaland, Sonia Gandhi said that the government expressing their regret is not enough and demanded appropriate steps to prevent such ‘ghastly tragedies’ to happen again.
She demanded justice for the bereaved families of the victims who were killed in Nagaland. She expressed her remorse for the killings in Nagaland and the death of security personnel.
Her speech came just before the Opposition was going to join a sit-in protest by the 12 MPs at the Gandhi statue to express unity with them. The suspension of the 12 MPs have created a major disruption in Rajya Sabha and that has led to frequent adjournments at the Rajya Sabha. It is delaying the passage of important bills and discussions on fundamental topics like price rises.
Around 14 civilians were killed by security forces in Nagaland and one soldier on December 4 and 5 in 3 different incidents. Other than this, Sonia Gandhi stated that efforts to cover 60% of India’s population with both doses of COVID 19 vaccine must be strengthened.
In the Rajya Sabha, Sonia Gandhi said that the steps taken by the government to reduce petrol, diesel and cooking gas prices are not good enough. She added that like always, the Centre has passed on the responsibility for duty cuts to state governments. The 12 MPs are still protesting near the Gandhi statue to revoke their suspension
Parliamentary Affairs Minister who had approved the suspension of the 12 MPs said that they are ready to take it back if the MPs apologize. He requested the MPs again to release an apology as they have committed a grave mistake.
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