Won't allow gag of Modi voice, says Arun Jaitley

New Delhi: It’s an all out war between the ruling BJP and Congress in Parliament. Intensifying it’s attack on Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi, Congress has given notices for breach of privilege against him in both Houses of Parliament over his remarks against party president, Mrs Sonia Gandhi in the AgustaWestland issue.

The party also contrinued to disrupt proceedings and force adjorunments over the issue in Rajya Sabha. The government took the Congress head on with a combative finance minister and leader of the House, Mr Arun Jaitley on Tuesday saying in Rajya Sabha that the “Prime Minister is entitled to speak on corruption” and “he cannot be gagged”.

Mr Jaitley went on the offensive after the Congress member, Mr Shantaram Naik said he has given notice for breach of privilege against Mr Modi and  defence minister, Mr Manohar Parrikar over his remarks at an election rally on the AgustaWestland issue. Mr Nail maintained that “lies” had been told outside the House about UPA leaders taking money in the chopper deal.

In a counter attack an aggressive, Mr Jaitley sought to know “since when has an election speech by one politician against another outside the House started to be construed as breach of privilege?” Mr Jaitley argued that a political speech outside Parliament by one politician against another was for “publicity” like the Congress members have been doing in front of media on Monday.

Escalating the war of words, Congress leader, Mr Anand Sharma said the PM’s remarks in or outside the House are “as PM of the country and there cannot be any distinction between them.”

After Mr Jaitley’s response, Mr Kurien disallowed any further comments on the issue and proceeded with the listed business of the day. In the Lok Sabha, Congress leader, Mr Veerappa Moily has given notice for breach of privilege against PM. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said the notice is under her consideration and she will allow them to speak only after she takes a decision.