New Delhi: During the discussion on the motion of thanks to President Droupadi Murmu’s address in the Rajya Sabha, Congress leader and MP Imran Pratapgarhi launched a sharp attack on those in power, questioning the prevailing situation in the country. In a hard-hitting speech, he raised concerns over social justice, civil liberties, and the treatment of minorities under the current government.
Beginning his address with a striking metaphor, Pratapgarhi said that while the President’s voice praising the government echoed through Parliament, he could hear the sound of axes falling on trees in the Hasdeo forests—trees that sustain tribal lives. He added that as the Prime Minister applauded the President’s speech, the demand for justice for Ankita Bhandari in Uttarakhand was fading, with the crucial question still unanswered: who was the VIP for whom Ankita was allegedly killed?
The Congress MP pointed out that while the President spoke about social justice, the police in Kotdwar, Uttarakhand, registered serious charges against Deepak, a man who tried to protect an elderly person from hate-mongers. “In BJP’s ‘New India’, those who incite riots are not booked, but those who talk about peace and love face FIRs,” Pratapgarhi said.
Referring to Assam Chief Minister’s remarks, he alleged that constitutional protocol was being openly violated and that statements encouraging oppression against Muslims were deeply alarming. He said minorities were being continuously targeted under the BJP government, calling the situation a matter of grave concern for democracy.
Citing multiple incidents, Pratapgarhi said cases are filed for offering prayers in vacant houses, Christians face action while preparing for Christmas, a school built by Mohammad Naim in Betul, Madhya Pradesh, is demolished by bulldozers, and hundreds of shops in Banaras’ Dal Mandi are razed despite court stay orders. He also mentioned Jammu and Kashmir, where approvals of 42 Muslim students who had qualified NEET and secured medical college admissions were cancelled, and claimed that some people even celebrated this move.
Expressing concern over the alleged disrespect shown by BJP leaders towards national icons, Pratapgarhi said that a society which abuses its elders ultimately faces justice from nature. He stated that despite derogatory remarks against Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, their stature could never be diminished. He remarked that while Nehru’s name is associated with Albert Einstein in history, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s name is being linked with Epstein.
During his speech, members of the ruling party repeatedly interrupted and created ruckus. However, Pratapgarhi continued speaking. Towards the end, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, who was presiding over the House, stated that objectionable words would not be included in the official records.
