A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi mooted the idea of having a separate time in legislatures for quality debates, Congress leader P. Chidambaram on November 18 took a dig at him, saying the question is will the Prime Minister ever participate in a debate in Parliament.
Addressing the inaugural session of the 82nd All India Presiding Officers’ Conference virtually, Mr. Modi asked lawmakers and legislatures to follow Indian values and send a message to citizens through their conduct about giving primacy to one’s duties. He also mooted the idea of having a separate time in legislatures for quality and healthy debates that should be serious, dignified and devoid of political potshots at others.
Taking a dig at Mr. Modi, Mr. Chidambaram tweeted, “Interesting to read that PM stressed the need for ‘quality debates’ in Parliament. He also suggested setting a separate time for quality debates. The question is ‘Will PM ever participate in a debate in Parliament?’”
The Congress has been alleging that the government is running away from debates on key issues in Parliament, a charge denied by the government which has stated that the Opposition has been disrupting the Houses and stalling legislative work.
