Udaipur, August 15: Udaipur MP Dr Mannalal Rawat on Saturday alleged that the Opposition had no substantive issues to raise during the Parliament session and therefore repeatedly disrupted proceedings. He said the Opposition kept changing its stand and questions and “kept running away” whenever the government was ready to respond.
Speaking to reporters in Udaipur after the conclusion of the Lok Sabha session on Thursday, Rawat said the government had made every effort to respond to allegations raised by the Opposition, but the Opposition continued to create disruptions or walked out.
Government brought several important Bills, says Rawat
Rawat said several important Bills and issues were taken up during the session, including legislation related to Vande Mataram, youth affairs and an anti-cheating law. He also referred to a Bill concerning the restructuring of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and legislation aimed at linking data protection with artificial intelligence.
He said the Foreign Contribution Regulation-related Bill had also been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). According to Rawat, the legislation was important to ensure greater transparency in the flow of funds received from abroad.
Rawat alleged that while the government brought several important legislative measures, the Opposition attempted to stall them by creating disruptions in Parliament.
Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 extended till 2028
Speaking about the Jal Jeevan Mission, Rawat said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 with the objective of ensuring access to clean drinking water for every household. He said the scheme had been extended until 2028.
Rawat also levelled allegations of irregularities in the implementation of the scheme during the previous Congress government and claimed that a minister-level leader was still in jail in connection with such allegations.
On Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Rawat referred to a presentation made by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and said it reflected the growing pace of India’s economy. He claimed that India had entered into 10 FTAs before 2014, covering an economy of around $10 trillion, while agreements signed after 2014 cover an economy of about $60 trillion globally.
Allegation against BAP MPs
Rawat also criticised the Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP), alleging that its MPs had followed the Congress line instead of focusing on issues concerning people in the region.
He accused the BAP MP from the Dungarpur-Banswara region of making statements and adopting positions that, according to him, were contrary to the cultural and social identity of the region. He also raised questions over the MP’s positions on religion, religious identity and the demand for a separate religion code.
Rawat alleges BAP MP supported Naxal sympathies
Rawat further alleged that the Congress had shown sympathy towards Naxalites and claimed that the BAP MP from Banswara had also been seen supporting them.
Referring to the killing of Maoist commander Madvi Hidma, Rawat alleged that the BAP MP had been seen standing with people expressing support for Hidma. He also referred to statements allegedly made by BAP national spokesperson Jitendra, claiming that slogans related to Hidma had been raised at India Gate.
Rawat described such positions as part of what he called an “ecosystem” opposed to peace in the region. He also alleged that BAP leaders avoided discussions on issues concerning young people.
Questions BAP MP’s UN visit
Commenting on the recent visit of the Banswara MP to the United Nations, Rawat said MPs travelling abroad were required to follow government protocols and rules.
He alleged that the MP had crossed these “Lakshman Rekhas” while raising issues concerning indigenous people at an international forum. Rawat termed the alleged position constitutionally problematic.
Responding to a question about the MP’s statement that the UN visit was a private trip, Rawat said that even a private foreign visit by a sitting MP was subject to established protocols and permissions.
“People no longer take Rahul Gandhi seriously”
On Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s allegations against the government, Rawat said people no longer took him seriously. He alleged that Gandhi and the Opposition kept changing their positions and questions.
Rawat said Union Home Minister Amit Shah had been ready to respond to the issues raised in Parliament, but alleged that Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition leaders avoided the discussion.
“Gen Z is curious and talented”
Speaking about Generation Z, Rawat described the younger generation as curious and talented. He said this generation had grown up with digital devices and was now entering the era of artificial intelligence.
According to Rawat, Gen Z wants to raise new questions from a global perspective. He said the questions being raised by the younger generation were valuable and logical and that the present generation had a responsibility to understand and address them.
Rawat said the curiosity and capabilities of young people could play an important role in taking India towards the goal of a developed nation.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.