Chirag Paswan Comments on Opposition's Behavior and Election Claims

Chirag Paswan, a Union Minister, has spoken about the behavior of opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) and recent allegations related to elections. His comments focus on maintaining the dignity of democracy and addressing claims made by opposition leaders. On February 3, 2026, Paswan criticized opposition MPs in the Lok Sabha for their actions. He said that their behavior was not in line with the respect expected in a democracy. Paswan specifically mentioned Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of acting childishly and refusing to follow parliamentary rules. He noted that such behavior sets a poor example for new MPs and damages the reputation of the parliament. Paswan explained that opposition MPs, including regional party leaders, were unable to discuss important topics like the President’s address and the Budget. He attributed this primarily to Gandhi's insistence on focusing on a single issue. Despite claims by opposition members that they were not given a chance to speak, Paswan stated that they had been repeatedly allowed opportunities to voice their views. His comments suggest that the opposition's interruptions were linked to their strategic choice to focus on one matter. In July 2024, Rahul Gandhi criticized the Union Budget, calling it a 'kursi bachao budget,' meaning a budget that aims to win votes and favors political allies. Gandhi also alleged that the budget was a 'copy and paste' version of the Congress party’s manifesto for the 2024 elections. He accused the government of using the budget to appease cronies and corporate allies at the expense of ordinary citizens. Gandhi further claimed that the budget lacked true development and was a replication of previous budgets and Congress’s manifesto. Following these allegations about election rigging, Paswan responded firmly. He dismissed Gandhi’s claims, suggesting that the opposition is blaming others out of fear of losing upcoming elections. Paswan accused Gandhi of making excuses instead of accepting the need to reflect on their own shortcomings. He also pointed out that Gandhi’s accusations against constitutional bodies, like the Election Commission, show that Gandhi might be acknowledging defeat in the Bihar Assembly elections. Paswan criticized the opposition’s stance on the recent electoral exercise in Bihar.He mentioned that the opposition was stalling Parliament proceedings related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Gandhi was planning to launch a 15-day yatra over this issue, which Paswan viewed as attempts at fear mongering. He questioned why the opposition insisted on discussing an electoral exercise managed by the Election Commission, an independent constitutional body, and not a part of the government. Paswan emphasized that instead of making excuses, it is time for key parties to look inward. He reflected on the fact that, since independence, the Congress has been in power for the majority of the time, specifically 55 years. He argued that if the voters are rejecting Congress now, it is a sign that the opposition should accept this change and undertake honest introspection. He concluded by stating that Gandhi’s criticism of the Election Commission reveals a possible acceptance of defeat in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Rather than blaming institutions, Paswan suggested that opposition leaders should focus on self-assessment and prepare for future challenges. These comments from Paswan highlight ongoing political disagreements and the importance of adhering to democratic principles. They also reflect the current political climate, where elections and institutional integrity are hotly debated issues. The stance taken by Paswan underscores the emphasis on rule-following and the suggestion that some opposition claims may be motivated by election losses.