New Delhi: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday took a sharp swipe at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of coming to Parliament on the final day of the Monsoon Session only to sing “Vande Mataram”.
Speaking to reporters, Priyanka questioned Shah’s attendance during the session and criticised the government over the functioning of Parliament. Her remarks came as the Monsoon Session concluded amid repeated disruptions and a political confrontation between the ruling BJP and Opposition parties.
“Home Minister has come today, only to sing Vande Mataram,” Priyanka said, targeting Shah on the final day of the session. Her comments came shortly before both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned sine die.
The Opposition has repeatedly accused the government of avoiding discussions on issues it wanted to raise during the session. Congress leaders have particularly questioned the absence of senior government leaders from debates on matters that they said required answers from the Centre.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also attacked Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over their participation in Parliament. Kharge questioned why the Prime Minister and Home Minister were not coming to the House to directly hear the Opposition's concerns.
The final day of the Monsoon Session began with the traditional rendition of “Vande Mataram” in the Lok Sabha. The House was subsequently adjourned sine die amid protests and sloganeering by Opposition MPs.
The session was marked by repeated disruptions over several political issues, including protests related to students and other matters raised by the Opposition. Despite the disruptions, the government said Parliament had passed a significant number of Bills during the session. According to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, 12 Bills were passed, while the government accused the Opposition of avoiding debate.
The Opposition, however, maintained that the government was responsible for failing to create space for meaningful discussion. Priyanka's latest remarks reflect the continuing political clash between the Congress and the BJP over parliamentary functioning.
With the Monsoon Session now over, the exchange between the two sides is likely to continue outside Parliament. Priyanka's “Vande Mataram” jibe has added another sharp political note to an already contentious final day.
The comments also came amid a broader debate over the role of “Vande Mataram” in official proceedings, with the national song becoming a prominent political issue during the session.
