Today, On 12th December, Trinamool MP Sagarika Ghose has moved a privilege motion against Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, alleging that he repeatedly insulted opposition members by calling them “unworthy.” The remarks have sparked controversy, with opposition leaders criticizing Rijiju’s conduct in Parliament. Ghose argued that such comments undermine the dignity of the House and demanded accountability.
Trinamool MP Sagarika Ghose introduced a privilege motion in the Rajya Sabha against Union Minister Kiren Rijiju for labeling opposition MPs as “unworthy of the house.”
Ms. Ghose accused Rijiju, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, of “repeatedly insulting opposition members” rather than fulfilling his responsibility to ensure smooth parliamentary operations. It is reported that 60 MPs from the opposition INDIA bloc have endorsed the motion.
This privilege motion follows Rijiju’s comments asserting that the opposition is “not worthy” of being in the House, made in response to attacks by opposition parties on Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ms. Ghose stated,
“Mr. Rijiju has insulted opposition members and used personal terms against opposition MPs both inside and outside the House. This is totally unbecoming and unacceptable for the high office he holds and amounts to a brazen misuse of his position.”
She further demanded an “unqualified apology,” insisting that “His remarks against the opposition must be expunged.”
A Privilege Motion is a parliamentary mechanism utilized when a legislator believes their rights or privileges have been violated. These privileges include freedom of speech, immunity from arrest in civil cases during sessions, and other essential rights vital for the functioning of the legislature.
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Key Features of a Privilege Motion:
- Purpose: It serves to uphold accountability and safeguard the dignity of the legislature and its members.
- Process: A member can initiate a Privilege Motion if they perceive an infringement of their privileges. The Speaker or Chairperson is responsible for determining whether the motion is admissible.
- Action: If the motion is accepted, it is forwarded to the Privileges Committee for further investigation. The committee then makes appropriate recommendations or takes action based on its findings.
- Common Uses: This motion is frequently invoked in cases of misleading the House, breaching parliamentary decorum, or making derogatory remarks about other members.
Kiren Rijiju, a notable BJP leader and former Union Minister, faced criticism for labeling opposition MPs as “unworthy of the House.”
This statement triggered considerable backlash in Parliament, especially from the INDIA Bloc, a coalition of opposition parties.