Opposition discouraged from speaking in Lok Sabha: MP

Amritsar Member of Parliament (MP) Gurjeet Singh Aujla, after returning from the Lok Sabha session today, claimed that the BJP had allegedly been running a dictatorial government by silencing the Opposition.

Addressing a press conference here today, Aujla said, “Leaders of the Opposition are not given a chance to speak in the Lok Sabha and their microphones are turned off. The post of Deputy Speaker is lying vacant since 2019. Election of Deputy Speaker is necessary under Article 93.”

"Leaders of the Opposition are not given a chance to speak in the Lok Sabha. Their microphones are switched off. The post of Deputy Speaker has been lying vacant since 2019. Election of Deputy Speaker is necessary under Article 93."

Gurjeet Singh Aujla, Member of Parliament

“This practice directly undermines democratic debate and fairness. Lack of discussions under Rule 193, which allows debate on urgent public issues without voting, is now rarely invoked, thereby avoiding accountability on national matters. There is non-inclusion of key ministries in discussions on Budget and demands for grant, thereby reducing parliamentary oversight over financial decisions. Similarly, the absence of the Deputy Speaker sets a dangerous precedent, which affects the impartiality and functioning of the House,” he said.

Aujla, said, “In this regard, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha has been informed in writing and urged to take action on these serious issues as soon as possible in the light of restoring the democracy.”

He said democracy could survive only when the Opposition was given equal opportunity to raise issues.

“The Prime Minister and the Home Minister intend to silence the Opposition only to run a dictatorship. But, the Congress will keep on assuring to make the government accountable on issues concerning people,” he said.

Former minister Dr Raj Kumar Verka, former MLA Jugal Kishore Sharma, former MLA Sunil Dutti, former District Congress Committee rural president Bhagwant Pal Singh Sachhar and councillor Narinder Singh Tung were present during the press conference today.