Mumbai, February 4: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam has accused Congress and its MPs of disrupting parliamentary proceedings. He stated that it appears Congress members lack interest in facilitating the smooth functioning of the parliamentary session or in passing the budget. They also seem disinterested in discussing crucial national issues with the seriousness they deserve.
In an interview with a news agency, Nirupam condemned Rahul Gandhi‘s attempt to quote excerpts from the unpublished book of former Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane in the Lok Sabha. He emphasized that such actions are entirely inappropriate, as Naravane is not an ordinary individual but the former head of the Indian Army. Quoting him in this manner directly relates to national security.
Nirupam stressed that the respect for the country’s security and its soldiers is paramount. He acknowledged the opposition’s right to discuss issues they find objectionable but insisted that it should not come at the cost of undermining national security. He accused Rahul Gandhi and his associates of openly disrespecting the military, which led to the suspension of the concerned MPs by the Lok Sabha Speaker. He believes this decision should be accepted and respected in the interest of the nation.
He also criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for opposing the Special Intensive Review (SIR) process and appealing to the Supreme Court. Nirupam pointed out that Banerjee’s consistent opposition mirrors the behavior of opposition leaders during the pilot project of this process in Bihar. He claimed that 67 lakh illegal voters were removed from the rolls in Bihar, and no one has come forward to prove their legitimacy as voters or Indian citizens. He noted that the same process is now being implemented in West Bengal, causing visible distress for Banerjee. He alleged that her anxiety stems from the fact that many Bangladeshi infiltrators, who are illegal citizens of India, have become voters.
Nirupam described Banerjee’s appeal to the Supreme Court against the removal of illegal voters as a form of political drama. He stated that anyone can seek justice in the Supreme Court, but only when genuine injustice occurs. He believes that Banerjee will face political repercussions over this issue, and it could be her last electoral battle.
He also launched a sharp attack on Congress regarding Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu. Nirupam found it highly objectionable that Rahul Gandhi labeled Bittu a ‘traitor’ during a protest at the Parliament entrance. He questioned whether a person who disagrees with a party’s flawed policies and ideology becomes a traitor by choosing a different path. He expressed disappointment in Gandhi’s behavior, which has previously drawn criticism for its lack of seriousness. Nirupam demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi to Ravneet Singh Bittu.
Regarding the potential merger of the NCP, Nirupam stated that it is entirely an internal matter for the NCP, and he refrained from commenting further. However, he found it surprising that the issue of merger is being raised by Sharad Pawar’s party. He questioned whether Pawar’s party has become so weak that it needs to seek a merger with Ajit Pawar’s faction to regain strength. Nirupam remarked that Sharad Pawar is considered a significant political leader in Maharashtra, and if he feels weak and relies on his nephew to revive his political career, it is both shameful and ridiculous.
