New Delhi : Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP) and Communist Party during proceedings in the Rajya Sabha, accusing them of opposing the construction of the Ram Temple and failing to participate constructively in parliamentary discussions.
Speaking in the Upper House, Rijiju alleged that the Congress, Samajwadi Party and Communist Party had opposed Lord Ram during the construction of the Ram Temple.
“The Congress Party, Samajwadi Party, and Communist Party are opposed to Lord Ram. When the Ram Temple was being constructed, they were protesting by tying black bands. They cannot mislead the country by shedding crocodile tears. They should apologise to the nation,” the minister said.
Rijiju further remarked that it was ironic that those who had opposed the Ram Temple were now speaking in its name.
Describing himself as a Buddhist, the minister said he was deeply hurt by what he termed the Opposition’s alleged disrespect towards Lord Ram and Hindu deities.
“I am a Buddhist, but it hurts me a lot when Congress, Samajwadi Party and Communists insult Lord Ram and make fun of Hindu deities,” he said.
The Parliamentary Affairs Minister also defended the functioning of the Rajya Sabha, stating that never before had the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha been given as much opportunity to speak as under the present dispensation. He urged all members to uphold the dignity of the House during parliamentary proceedings.
Rijiju further criticised the Congress, alleging that the party does not actively participate in discussions on important Bills introduced in Parliament.
The remarks came amid heated exchanges between the treasury benches and the Opposition during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, with both sides trading allegations over several political and legislative issues.