Rahul Gandhi spoke in public interest, pointing out govt shortcomings Opp duty: Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury

Referring to the allegations against the Adani group, Chowdhury said Gandhi has “fulfilled his duty as an elected representative” by raising the issue in “public interest”.

adhir ranjan chowdhury, rahul gandhi, om birla

Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury speaks in the Lok Sabha during Budget Session of Parliament, in New Delhi, Friday, Feb. 10, 2023. (PTI)

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With the Lok Sabha Secretariat asking Congress MP Rahul Gandhi to respond to the breach of privilege notices given by BJP members regarding his remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the House, Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Monday wrote to Speaker Om Birla, saying the function of the Opposition is to point out the shortcomings of the government and that “we are failing to do our Constitutional duty” if the voice of the Opposition is not allowed to be heard.

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Referring to the allegations against the Adani group, Chowdhury said Gandhi has “fulfilled his duty as an elected representative” by raising the issue in “public interest”. He argued that BJP members have in the past made unsubstantiated allegations against former PMs and made “derogatory remarks” against Gandhi and his family members but were never reprimanded.

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Referring to the notices by BJP members seeking permission to move privilege motions against Gandhi, Chowdhury said: “In the notice… it has been stated that Gandhi has made certain remarks on the functioning of the PM without giving prior notice under Rule 353 of the Rules of Procedure.”

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“Proviso to this Rule states that the Speaker may prohibit the members from making such allegation if he is to the opinion and allegation is derogatory and that no public interest is served. A literal interpretation of the rules is specifically stated that an allegation cannot be made against any person who is not a Member of the House unless that is necessary in the public interest,” he said, noting that Gandhi had raised the issue in public interest.

“The function of the opposition parties is to point out the shortcomings of the government so that they are rectified and the nation progresses. If the voice of the opposition is not allowed to be heard, we are failing to do our constitutional duty,” he said.

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