Congress Leader Mallikarjun Kharge Slams Suspension Of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury: Calls It Unwarranted And Weak
New Delhi, 11 August 2023: Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, expressed his dissatisfaction on Friday regarding the suspension of his fellow party member, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, from the Lower House of Parliament. Kharge criticized the suspension, deeming it unwarranted and based on weak grounds. He asserted that Chowdhury’s suspension stemmed from his use of the term “Nirav Modi,” where the word “Nirav” translates to “calm and silent” in Hindi.
Chowdhury had been suspended from the House on Thursday due to inappropriate remarks he made about Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his participation in a no-confidence discussion. Kharge questioned the rationale behind the suspension, highlighting that Chowdhury had merely mentioned “Nirav Modi,” which carries a meaning of tranquillity. He addressed Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, stating, “He mentioned only ‘Nirav Modi.’ ‘Nirav’ means ‘Shaant’ (quiet), and for this, he faced suspension?”
Kharge went on to appeal to Vice President Dhankhar, urging him to safeguard democracy and intervene in overturning the suspension imposed on his party colleague. He emphasized that Chowdhury held important positions in the public accounts committee, business advisory committee, and the CBC selection, and being suspended would have negative implications.
In a meeting earlier in the day, leaders of the INDIA alliance, who make up the Opposition, discussed the suspension of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the Congress leader in the Lok Sabha, and deliberated on the future course of action. The Congress party strongly criticized the disciplinary action taken against their floor leader, labelling it as “unbelievable” and “undemocratic.”
