Mamata is Sonia's only ally in 'vendetta politics' claims
Indicating a new bonhomie between Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the Grand Old Party found support from the Trinamool Congress as it attacked the ruling BJP over its “vendetta politics” in the National Herald case.
The bond between the two parties was seen inside Parliament, where TMC members joined hands with Congress lawmakers in targeting the government over the National Herald case, and outside when Mamata visited Sonia’s official residence, 10 Janpath, to extend wishes on her birthday.
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, also an accused in the case, alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was fomenting trouble for the Gandhis.
There is a new bonhomie blooming between Congress chief Sonia Gandhi (right) and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee
“This is pure political vendetta coming out of the PM’s office... It is their way of doing politics... I have full faith in judiciary. We will see at the end what comes out. The truth will come out,” Rahul said outside Parliament.
BJP hits back
Union minister of state Rajiv Pratap Rudy however hit back saying the Congress leader lacked the courage to face Parliament.
“Rahul Gandhi doesn’t have the courage to face Parliament with proof to refute the charges against him. As an accused, he is nervous,” said Rudy.
The government is concerned as the National Herald case has dashed the BJP’s hopes of soliciting Congress support in passing key bills, including the GST bill.
Keeping that in mind, Modi, who had recently invited Sonia over for tea, tweeted good wishes to the Congress chief. Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu too called up Sonia to wish her the best. But the Congress did not appear in a mood to relent.
Taking forward their protest, party members did not allow the functioning of the two Houses with some help from the TMC.
In the Lok Sabha, TMC members led by Sudip Bandhyopadhyay walked out in protest when they were not allowed by Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to speak on the National Herald issue.
In the Rajya Sabha, TMC’s Derek O'Brien repeated the Congress' ‘political vendetta charge.’ The disruptions provoked Naidu’s junior Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi to dub the Congress as anti-development.
“You need not dictate to us... When there is open political vendetta not only here but across the country, what are we left to do,” Derek said.
Naidu accused the Congress of practicing “mobocracy” by bringing their legal battle to Parliament.
“Congress is resorting to mobocracy, not democracy. They are obstructing the progress of the country,” he said, adding: “The government has nothing to do with it. It was a court order.”
Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge accused the government of ‘intimidating the opposition’.
“We are not against the judiciary. We are protesting against your intent to oppress,” said Kharge. “This is happening to the entire Opposition. If someone doesn’t agree with you, you are trying to harass them,” he added.
Meanwhile, Metropolitan magistrate Loveleen on Tuesday granted an exemption to the Gandhis for a day saying they would have to appear before the court for the next hearing set for 3pm on December 19.
