Congress Questions PM’s Reply in Lok Sabha, Says Debate ‘Meaningless’ Without Opposition Leader’s Speech

New Delhi: The Congress on Wednesday criticized the government over the conduct of proceedings in the Lok Sabha, arguing that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reply to the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address would be meaningless if the Leader of the Opposition was not allowed to complete his speech.

At a meeting of senior party leaders held at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence, the party discussed its strategy amid the ongoing parliamentary standoff. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh alleged that Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi had been repeatedly prevented from speaking in the House over the past three days.

“Rahul Gandhi has not been allowed to complete his speech. He is being deliberately stopped because he is raising extremely important and sensitive issues related to national security,” Ramesh said.

He announced that leaders of opposition parties from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha would meet at 10 a.m. on Thursday in Kharge’s chamber in Parliament to decide their next course of action. Ramesh also condemned remarks allegedly made by BJP MPs against former prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi, calling them “insulting” and demanding action.

According to the Congress, the core issue is the denial of speaking time to the Leader of the Opposition. Ramesh argued that the Prime Minister’s reply traditionally responds to points raised during the debate, and without a full discussion, the exercise loses its purpose.

“If the Leader of the Opposition does not speak, what is the meaning of the debate? The Prime Minister replies to a discussion. If there has been no proper debate, what will he respond to?” he asked.

Ramesh further accused the Prime Minister of turning parliamentary speeches into campaign-style attacks. “We know the Prime Minister will deliver an election speech. For the past 11 years he has focused on criticizing the Congress and its leadership. But the debate begins with the Leader of the Opposition, who has not been allowed to speak,” he said.

He added that Rahul Gandhi was raising fundamental questions concerning national security and accountability, citing what he described as credible sources, yet was still prevented from finishing his remarks.

“When the discussion itself is incomplete, what will the Prime Minister reply to? Will he reply to his own speech?” Ramesh said.

The meeting at Kharge’s residence was attended by several senior leaders, including K.C. Venugopal, Pramod Tiwari, and Manickam Tagore, as the party weighs its parliamentary strategy amid escalating tensions in the House.