Haryana Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij launched a sharp attack on the Opposition, saying that democracy functions through representation and that elected representatives are chosen to raise the people's concerns in Parliament. He said that people should put pressure on their elected representatives to present their issues effectively in the House.
Sh. Vij further said, "In a democracy, everyone has the right to hold rallies, processions, dharnas, protests and raise their voice. However, if any group says that 500 people will enter the Lok Sabha to put forward their demands and attempts to force its way inside, such an act is not permitted in any democracy across the world."
He also targeted the Congress, stating, "The Congress has become a party of obstruction. Its only objective is to create obstacles in every possible way, and ultimately it is the people who suffer." Sh. Vij was responding to questions from mediapersons in Chandigarh today.
"The Opposition releases a new 'documentary' before every Parliament session": Vij
Responding to the Opposition's comparison with Mahatma Gandhi's protests, the Energy Minister said that although Mahatma Gandhi led numerous agitations, he never resorted to violence or stone-pelting. He pointed out that several police personnel were injured during the recent protest and challenged the Opposition to cite even one instance where stones were thrown during any movement led by Mahatma Gandhi.
Vij said that if one examines the past 15 to 20 Parliament sessions, it would become evident that before every session, the Opposition comes up with a new "documentary" or campaign. According to him, different individuals appear in different roles each time, but the real objective is to obstruct the functioning of the government, ultimately harming the public.
On the issue of the paper leak, he said that Sh. J.P. Nadda had listened to his concerns and accepted his letter the previous day. Therefore, the matter should now be left to the government for consideration. "The government will examine the issue, but now new actors have emerged with new narratives. This is not how democracy functions," he remarked.
Vij takes a swipe at the Opposition: "One must first understand the issue before trying to convince the government"
Replying to a question regarding Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi's statement that if they were not allowed to speak in Parliament, they would raise their voice on the streets, Sh. Vij asked, "Who is stopping them from speaking in Parliament? The government has repeatedly said that it is ready for discussion.
Instead of sitting outside and staging protests, they should enter Parliament, present their arguments and try to convince the government. But before trying to convince the government, one must first understand the issue oneself."
Vij questions previous Congress governments: "Paper leaks also occurred during Congress rule"
Sh. Vij questioned the Congress' record, asking which Congress government had been free from paper leak incidents. He cited examples from Madhya Pradesh and the Railway recruitment examination, asking whether any minister had resigned in those cases.
He said that those found responsible in the present case have already been arrested, criminal cases have been registered against them, and strict legal action is underway. Action will be taken strictly in accordance with the law against those found guilty. He added that public outrage is justified only when a government fails to act, whereas the present government is taking firm action.
"The NEET examination has already been reconducted, students have qualified, yet the Opposition has no real concern over the issue": Vij
Sh. Vij said that the NEET examination had already been conducted again, students had qualified, and candidates from Haryana and Punjab had secured good marks. He added that legal proceedings in the matter are also continuing, while the Opposition has little genuine concern for the issue.
He alleged that after the paper leak incident, Rahul Gandhi spent nearly 20 days abroad. "Had he truly been concerned, he would not have gone overseas. He could have raised his voice, organised protests and taken out rallies from the very beginning. Who stopped him? Instead, he chose to travel."
Sh. Vij further said that whenever Parliament sessions begin, the Opposition returns and sits at the gates instead of participating inside the House. "The purpose of the Opposition is to represent the people in Parliament and place public issues before the government.
The session began only yesterday, and today they have already staged a dharna. They neither entered the House nor participated in the discussion, but chose to protest outside instead," he said.