Centre adopting fascist approach, says Mallikarjun Kharge

New Delhi: The Congress on Wednesday hit out at the government for not letting them raise issues in the Lok Sabha. Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, charged the government for adopting a “fascist approach and dictatorial agenda.” He further asked that why is it so that Congress and other Opposition parties are not allowed to raise issues in the Lok Sabha. The Congress in the Lower House has been demanding a discussion on mob violence and lynching in the country. Mr Kharge also attacked the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for avoiding a debate on the issue. He said, “The Prime Minister has adopted silence in Parliament, even though he has spoken outside in public rallies. He represents the people and is leader of the House, he must inform the House. Does he want to work in a democracy, as the leader always gives a statement in the House on important issues and when there is a crisis. He comes for 5-10 minutes and goes. This is like ending democracy and the Constitution.”

While Mr Kharge also charged the government for exerting pressure on the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. He also alleged that the Speaker took the decision of suspending six Congress members demanding a discussion on lynching “only after the government exerted pressure”. He added, “The Speaker takes such a decision after the government exerts pressure. We respect the Speaker and there is no charge of partiality.”

The Congress leader also added that there are double standards while dealing with the Opposition. He also condemned and questioned the adoption of different yardsticks by suspending the Opposition members and letting off BJP member Anurag Thakur for filming the Lok Sabha proceedings with a mere warning.

He said “Why are two yardsticks being applied — one for the BJP member Anurag Thakur and another for the six suspended Congress members?”