Kiren Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi (Img: X)
New Delhi: In an effort to end the ongoing deadlock in Parliament, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju met Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday to discuss ways to restore normal proceedings in the Lok Sabha.
The meeting took place amid repeated disruptions during the Monsoon Session, which has seen frequent adjournments over Opposition protests on multiple issues.
According to the reports, the two leaders also discussed the proposed Delimitation Bill, with Rijiju seeking to understand the party's position on the legislation.
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Sources said Rahul Gandhi told the government that any breakthrough would depend on allowing discussions on two issues being raised by the Opposition.
The Congress leader reportedly sought debates on the alleged police action against students during recent protests and the alleged irregularities related to donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
He also conveyed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah should be present in Parliament during the discussions, saying their participation was necessary for a meaningful debate.
The meeting came shortly after the Lok Sabha was adjourned amid continued protests by Opposition members. As the House assembled, Speaker Om Birla urged MPs to return to their seats and allow Question Hour to function, stating that slogan shouting and displaying placards lowered the dignity of Parliament.
Birla also noted that several Members of Parliament had expressed concern that important questions listed for discussion could not be taken up because of repeated disruptions.
The Monsoon Session, which began on July 20, has witnessed repeated adjournments, with the Lok Sabha yet to complete a full Question Hour. Several Bills have been passed during the session amid Opposition protests.
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party launched a fresh attack on Rahul Gandhi over the continued disruptions in Parliament.
Addressing a press conference, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia accused the Congress leader of deliberately obstructing parliamentary proceedings and alleged that he was avoiding debates that would invite comparisons between the Modi government and the previous UPA administration.
Bhatia also criticised Rahul Gandhi's recent remarks against the RSS, alleging that the Congress leader repeatedly targeted the organisation without substantiating his claims.
