Political Row Erupts Over Congress Rally Alongside BRICS Summit
New Delhi, October 27: Political statements have sharpened following the successful conclusion of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in Delhi, with the opposition's proposed rally at Ramlila Maidan becoming a major point of contention.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor described the BRICS Parliamentary Summit as a very successful programme and appreciated India's role in promoting international cooperation. He said members from various countries had come together and discussed the joint declaration, with negotiations focused on finding common language.
According to Tharoor, one country sought stronger provisions on certain matters, but other nations did not agree. Despite these differences, consensus was reached on all issues by the end, and India handed the chairmanship over to China without any disruption. He expressed hope that India would remain a key contributor to international cooperation through BRICS and parliamentary diplomacy.
BJP MP Anurag Thakur likewise called the event a success and said India was steadily gaining recognition on international forums. He argued that the country was increasingly positioned to lead global policy decisions and cited the G20 presidency as an example.
Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said the BRICS Parliamentary Forum was a valuable opportunity for India. He explained that it allowed member nations to exchange notes on parliamentary discussions and successful initiatives. He said India had done considerable work in this area and that the summit helped other countries understand its achievements.
Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta said the forum, held over two days under Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's leadership, had strengthened the global image of the prime minister's message on BRICS. He added that the summit provided an opportunity to recognise India's importance and that assembly speakers from across the country had been invited and took part.
Alongside the praise for the summit, BJP leaders raised concerns about the proposed Congress rally and its possible impact on traders. Tharoor rejected the notion that Congress was opposed to small businesses. He said Rahul Gandhi had already clarified that the party was acting in the national interest and that Congress stood with shopkeepers who wish to operate freely.
Tharoor said the party had no intention of disturbing anyone's life. He noted that many people had been present during the previous shutdown, a period when shops could have seen more buying. He added that Congress had found no option other than Ramlila Maidan, as permission had not been granted elsewhere. He said it was the opposition's responsibility to raise public concerns and urged traders to understand that the party was not against them.
He also suggested that if the government accepted Congress's demands on matters linked to citizens' constitutional rights, the path to ending the planned protest could open up.
Meghwal responded by accusing Congress of attempting to create anarchy. He spoke of opposition activities at Akashvani Bhawan, their meeting with President Droupadi Murmu and their later approach to the Supreme Court. He said the President had asked for evidence that the opposition could not present, and claimed the Supreme Court had asked the opposition to move through a petition and cautioned against trying to intimidate the court.
Meghwal further said traders had raised concerns about their business ahead of Diwali. He accused Rahul Gandhi of lacking concern for traders and the country's progress, alleging that he wanted to steer the nation in the wrong direction.
Anurag Thakur accused Congress and the opposition of spreading confusion and tarnishing India's reputation. He said some leaders questioned democratic processes and constitutional institutions. Referring to November 1 and the anti-Sikh riots in Delhi, he questioned whether Congress or opposition leaders intended to send a signal through that date. He cited incidents of arson, violence and looting abroad and warned that any attempt to move forward with such intentions would not be accepted in India. He said the Delhi Police was taking the necessary steps to maintain law and order.