No gag order on Narendra Modi, clarifies finance minister Arun Jaitley

New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha witnessed pandemonium and repeated adjournments on Tuesday after UPA members objected to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s criticism of the previous government during his recent foreign tour. Finance minister Arun Jaitley took on the Opposition, saying that “there is no gag order” on the PM when he is overseas.

The Opposition and ruling MPs clashed over Mr Modi’s remark in Canada that he wanted to “clean the dirt” of 60 years, forcing three adjournments before lunch. Mr Jaitley, Leader of the House, rejected the Opposition’s charge that Mr Modi was “lowering the dignity” of the country, and said the PM was “perfectly entitled” to say his government will break away from what happened in the past 60 years and provide a clean government.

He also took potshots at the Janata Dal (United) and CPM, wondering if they thought India was not defamed by “acts of corruption”. The issue came up after Congress deputy leader Anand Sharma sought suspension of business under Rule 267 to discuss Mr Modi’s remarks in Germany and Canada, saying the PM had lowered the country’s dignity.

The Congress charge found support from other Opposition parties, who also demanded a discussion.