Sonia Gandhi Criticises Suspension Of Opposition MPs Over 'Perfectly Reasonable And Legitimate Demand'

On Wednesday (20 December), Congress leader Sonia Gandhi strongly criticised the government's decision to suspend opposition MPs during the winter session of Parliament.

Speaking at the Congress Parliamentary Party meeting, she expressed concern over what she termed as the "strangulation of democracy" by the current government.

Gandhi condemned the suspension, stating, "Democracy has been strangulated by this government. Never before have so many opposition members of Parliament been suspended from the House, and that too, simply for raising a perfectly reasonable and legitimate demand."

The Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson also criticised the BJP, alleging that the party systematically weakened the spirit of unity in diversity, which she considered a source of strength for India.

Addressing the security breach incident in Parliament in December, Gandhi called it inexcusable and condemned the delay in the Prime Minister's response.

"It took four days for the Prime Minister to address the nation and express his views on the incident, and he did so outside the Parliament. By so doing, PM Modi clearly indicated his disdain for the dignity of the House and his disregard for the people of our country," she said.

She also reiterated the Congress' stand on Jammu and Kashmir, calling for the immediate restoration of full statehood and early elections in the region.