TMC MP Files Privilege Motion Against Rijiju Over "Unworthy" Remark

NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress MP Sagarika Ghose on Thursday presented a privilege motion against Union Minister Kiren Rijiju in Rajya Sabha, for "unparliamentary language" and targeting the opposition members. The motion by 60 opposition MPs came in the wake of his remark labelling the MPs as "unworthy to sit in the House".

The row began after Rijiju, during a stormy session in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, said, "You all are not worthy of being in this House," while addressing opposition MPs. Rijiju also defended Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, who has faced criticism from the opposition for alleged partisanship.

Ghose, while talking to reporters, condemned Rijiju's remarks, saying, "The Minister for Parliamentary Affairs has the responsibility to ensure smooth functioning of Parliament. Instead, he has chosen to insult opposition members repeatedly. His comments are unbecoming of the high office he holds and constitute a misuse of power."

The privilege motion alleges that Rijiju’s comments undermine parliamentary decorum and accuse him of misusing his position to attack opposition members. Senior leaders from across the opposition INDIA bloc have signed the motion, reflecting widespread discontent.

This follows a no-confidence motion presented by 60 opposition MPs against Chairman Dhankhar on Tuesday. The MPs accused Dhankhar of partisanship, claiming that he failed to maintain the neutrality that comes with presiding over the Upper House.

The gap between the opposition and the administration has widened as a result of Rijiju's comments and the privilege motion against him. In the coming days, Parliament is expected to be marked by lengthy debates.

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