P. Chidambaram. File
In a recent statement, former Union Finance Minister and Rajya Sabha member P. Chidambaram criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government for its ongoing efforts to suppress the voices of Opposition parties and state governments under their jurisdiction. Speaking at Kothamangalam village in Pudukottai district on July 28, 2024, Chidambaram highlighted the lack of opportunity for Opposition members to speak during parliamentary sessions and NITI Aayog meetings, asserting that any dissent is met with punitive actions.
His remarks came in response to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s allegations that she was silenced during a NITI Aayog meeting, only permitted to speak for five minutes before being cut off. Chidambaram emphasized the implications of such actions, questioning why a Chief Minister should not be allowed adequate time to express her views.
Reflecting on the past, Chidambaram recalled how, during the Congress-led UPA tenure, meetings like the National Development Council provided ample time for state leaders to articulate their points. He noted that Narendra Modi, then Chief Minister of Gujarat, was allowed to speak freely for extended periods without interruption during those sessions.
Chidambaram condemned the current government’s approach, stating that it is unacceptable for an opposition Chief Minister to be limited in their speaking time. He characterized this behavior as a clear indication of the BJP’s tendency to stifle dissent, labeling the incident as “condemnable.”
