Challenging the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to have a debate on the coal block allocation issue, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday blamed the main opposition for the deadlock that has paralysed proceedings in Parliament.
Addressing a rally at Adarsh Stadium in Barmer, which was filled to its capacity, the UPA chairperson said: "Some opposition parties are hell bent on subverting parliamentary system and trying to impose their will on the nation". The Congress leader was in Rajasthan to inaugurate the first phase of the Rs 668 crore Barmer lift canal project which would provide drinking water to 700 villages in the two desert districts of Barmer and Jaisalmer.
Pointing out that the approach of ‘our view or no view' is unacceptable in a democracy, Sonia asked "why they (BJP) are shying away from a debate, let the truth come out after
debate and discussion in the house".
"All issues should be discussed in Parliament. It's sad that some political parties are disrupting the parliamentary democratic process,” she added. "The opposition wants to ruin Parliamentary traditions, if there is no debate, and then what is the meaning of Parliament? I appeal to everyone to respect the democratic process and allow a discussion in Parliament,” the Congress leader said.
She reminded that the country is going through a difficult period and is facing serious challenges. "The slow economic growth, price rise and social conflicts are some of the serious challenges facing the country today," Sonia said, asking political parties to think above narrow and partisan considerations.
She was accompanied by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Union Ministers C P Joshi, Mukul Wasnik, Sachin Pilot and PCC president Chandraban among others.