Politics
'What Kind Of India Are You?': EAM Jaishankar's Blistering Response To Opposition, After Parliament Ruckus Mars Speech On Foreign Policy Triumphs
Bhuvan Krishna
Jul 27, 2023, 04:02 PM | Updated 04:02 PM IST
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During Thursday's (27 July) parliamentary proceedings, the opposition and government lawmakers engaged in a chaotic exchange of slogans, with both sides passionately chanting "INDIA, INDIA" and "Modi, Modi".
This clash of voices overshadowed External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's address on the nation's foreign policy.
The opposition's outcry initially focused on the ongoing ethnic clashes in Manipur, as they sought to prioritise this issue amidst the regular business of the upper house.
In response to Jaishankar's speech, the ruling party members rose together and fervently chanted "Modi, Modi" as a show of support for the Prime Minister.
The opposition countered with their own brand-savvy slogan, chanting "INDIA, INDIA" to represent their new coalition.
Throughout his address, Jaishankar faced continuous disruptions from the opposition.
The minister dismissed their clamour as "partisan politics" and attempted to highlight the successes of India's foreign policy and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent international visits.
Jaishankar expressed his disappointment with the opposition for prioritising partisan politics and refusing to acknowledge the achievements of the President, Vice President, and Prime Minister. He called it extremely unfortunate.
He further chastised the opposition, "If you claim to be 'INDIA' but if you are not prepared to listen to India's national interests, then what kind of India are you?"
Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, accused the Prime Minister of neglecting his responsibilities towards parliament while actively campaigning in Rajasthan.
Kharge criticised the Prime Minister for disrespecting the Parliament and not wanting to protect democracy and the constitution.
The parliament session was marred by continuous disruptions as opposition members demanded attention to the Manipur situation and a statement from the Prime Minister on the same.
The Rajya Sabha had to be adjourned twice due to the chaos.
In a symbolic act of protest, the opposition showed up in black attire, which drew criticism from the ruling party members.
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Bhuvan Krishna is Staff Writer at Swarajya.
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