'Rahul Gandhi unproductive politically': BJP's swipe at Opposition protests in Parliament

Irani alleged that Rahul's political life has been dotted with show of disrespect to parliamentary procedures and traditions

Union minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday led the BJP’s charge against the Opposition for disrupting the Parliament and accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of stalling proceedings.

Calling him “politically unproductive”, Smriti said Gandhi has never introduced a private member’s bill.

“He may be unproductive politically but he should not continuously curb Parliament’s productivity,” Smriti told reporters.

Since the Monsoon session started, the Lok Sabha has not functioned full time, with Opposition leaders disrupting proceedings over issues like price hike and GST.

On Wednesday, the Lok Sabha was adjourned to 2 pm minutes after the session began at 11 am. A few minutes after 2 pm, it was again adjourned to meet at 4 pm and was finally adjourned for the day a few minutes past 4 pm.

Smriti said Gandhi has scant regard for parliamentary business and traditions, and his actions are bringing down the productivity of the Lower House. She said when he was MP of Amethi between 2004 and 2019, he did not pose any questions and now, as MP of Wayanad, his attendance is below 40%.

“The gentleman has never proposed any private member’s bill in Parliament, and now he wants to ensure that healthy and productive debates and discussion do not take place,” Smriti said.

Gandhi was among the Opposition MPs who carried out demonstrations against inflation in Parliament House.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Smriti defeated Gandhi from the family pocket borough, Amethi.