New Delhi: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh made a wheelchair-bound appearance in Parliament on Monday, defying his ailing health, to participate in the Rajya Sabha proceedings. His purpose was to cast his vote against the Delhi services bill, which subsequently received approval in the House.
While the Opposition commended Manmohan Singh for his ethical stance, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized his actions, deeming them “highly disgraceful.”
Raghav Chadha, an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP, expressed gratitude towards the former prime minister for his presence in the House. Chadha stated, “Today, Manmohan Singh exemplified integrity in the Rajya Sabha. He took a stand against the problematic ordinance and his unwavering dedication to democracy and the Constitution is immensely inspiring. I extend heartfelt thanks for his invaluable support.”
The attendance of the 90-year-old Congress stalwart in the Rajya Sabha ignited a verbal clash between the Opposition and the BJP.
The BJP rebuked the Congress, asserting, “This spectacle by the Congress will be etched in the nation’s memory. They had a former prime minister seated in Parliament, even in his frail health and late at night, solely to sustain their unscrupulous alliance. This is an extremely disgraceful act!”
In response, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate retorted to the BJP’s remarks, emphasizing that Manmohan Singh’s presence underscored his unwavering belief in democracy.
In addition to Manmohan Singh, the ailing Sibhu Soren of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) was also present in the Upper House.
A setback for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, commonly known as the Delhi services bill, secured passage in the Rajya Sabha.
The bill garnered 131 affirmative votes and 101 opposing votes. Following its passage in the Lok Sabha on August 3, the bill has remained a contentious point of contention between the Aam Aadmi Party and the Central Government.
