Disapproving of the BJP’s behaviour in Parliament and its propaganda tactics, a combative Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday asked the party to “stand up and fight aggressively” against the Opposition.
“We have many achievements. We have nothing to feel defensive about. We are ready to face the challenges before us. We will not be deflected by the intemperate Congress-bashing by the Opposition. Let us stand up and fight, fight with a sense of purpose and fight aggressively,” she appealed.
Addressing the general body meeting of the Congress Parliamentary Party, Mrs Gandhi said the BJP’s attitude of “our way or no way” makes a mockery of the vision of India’s founding fathers and of the constitutional framework they built.
“How many times will we have to witness this deliberate and cynical disruption that the BJP has made a habit? I have said it many times before, and I will say it again: the government and the Prime Minister are always prepared for debate and discussion on any issue, on any CAG report, or, for that matter, any perceived shortcoming on their part,” Mrs Gandhi said, adding, “But the proper forum for this is an active and involved Parliament, not one that is held to ransom by blackmail which has become the political bread and butter of the BJP, much to the concern of even some of its allies.”
She said it is a matter of regret, “of even shame, that a time when serious issues are affecting our people and our country”, Parliament is not being allowed to function and fulfil its proper constitutional role and duty.
“This is the handiwork of just one party — the BJP. This once again shows up the scant respect it has for democratic values. What else can we conclude when its seniormost leader (L.K. Advani) refers to our government as illegitimate, thereby mocking the people of India for the convincing mandate they have given us,” she said.
Rallying the party behind Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the coal block allocation issue, she accused the BJP of acting with “wanton irresponsibility”.
She prefaced her remarks by telling party members that they were now “entering a period in which elections will consume much of our time”.