Rahul Gandhi expects Birla to let them represent voice of opposition

Speaking on behalf of the entire Opposition and the ‘INDIA’ alliance, Gandhi said he hoped the Opposition would be allowed to raise the voice of people in the House. “This House represents the voice of India’s people and you, Speaker Sir, are the final arbiter of that voice. Of course, the government has political power, but the Opposition also represents the voice of India’s people and this time, the Opposition represents significantly more voice of the Indian people than it did last time,” he said.

| Updated: 26 June, 2024 4:01 pm IST

NEW DELHI: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi after congratulating Om Birla for becoming the speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha addressed Parliament members. Gandhi also escorted Birla to the Speaker’s chair along with PM Modi.

Speaking on behalf of the entire Opposition and the ‘INDIA’ alliance, Gandhi said he hoped the Opposition would be allowed to raise the voice of people in the House. “This House represents the voice of India’s people and you, Speaker Sir, are the final arbiter of that voice. Of course, the government has political power, but the Opposition also represents the voice of India’s people and this time, the Opposition represents significantly more voice of the Indian people than it did last time,” he said.

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He underscored that efficient governance should not come at the cost of stifling dissent, asserting that a vibrant democracy thrives on the diversity of opinions expressed in the legislative forum. The LoP said, “The Opposition would like to assist you in doing your work. We would like the House to function often and well. Speaker Sir, cooperation must happen based on trust. The voice of the Opposition must be allowed to be represented in this House.”

Gandhi articulated a principled stance on the role of the Opposition, highlighting its responsibility in upholding the Constitution and representing the voices of the Indian populace. “The question is not how efficiently the House is run, the question is how much of India’s voice is being allowed to be heard in this House. So, the idea that you can run the House efficiently by silencing the voice of the opposition is non-democratic and this election has shown that the people of India expect the Opposition to defend the Constitution.”

In concluding his address, Gandhi reiterated his congratulations to Speaker Birla and all elected members of the House.

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