New Delhi (PTI): Congratulating Om Birla for being elected speaker of the Lok Sabha for a second term, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said he hoped the Opposition would be allowed to raise the voice of people in the House.

He also said the Opposition wanted the House to function "often and well" and added that it was very important that cooperation happens with trust.

"I'd like to congratulate you for your successful election... I congratulate you on behalf of the entire INDIA alliance. This House represents the voice of people of India... Of course the government has political power, but the opposition also represents the voice of India's people," the Congress leader said.

"The opposition would like to assist you in your work. I am confident you will allow us to speak in House," he said.

Pointing out that this time the opposition represents significantly more voices of the Indian people than last time, Gandhi stressed that it was very important that the voice of opposition is allowed to be represented in the House.

"I am confident that you will allow us to represent our voice, allow us to speak, to represent voice of people of India."

The question, he said, is not how efficiently the House is run, the question is how much of India's voice is allowed to be heard in the House.

"The idea that you can run the House efficiently by silencing the voice of opposition is a non-democratic idea. This election has shown that the people of India expect the opposition to defend the Constitution of this country and we are confident that by allowing Opposition to speak, you will do your duty of defending the Constitution of India," the Congress MP said.

 

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Bengaluru: Lokayukta ADGP and Special Investigation Team (SIT) chief M. Chandrasekhar has strongly refuted the accusations of Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy and termed it ‘false and malicious.’

"HD Kumaraswamy, an accused in SIT's case no.16/14, made false and malicious allegations and threats in a press conference today," said Chandrashekar.

Chandrasekhar stated that these allegations were aimed at intimidating SIT officers, particularly as the SIT has sought legal action against Kumaraswamy, who is currently out on bail. "These accusations were made to prevent us from fulfilling our duties," Chandrasekhar remarked, adding that no matter the status of the accused, they will be treated fairly and according to the law.

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He further mentioned, “By attacking me, they may have intended to strike fear in the minds of the SIT officers. However, Chandrasekhar said that no matter how high in position and mighty an accused is, he is just an accused. We will not be deterred by such accusations and threats. I work fearlessly and impartially as SIT head, and promise to give justice to all. I also promise to protect you from criminals and accused in our cases and from external influences.”

Retorting to Kumaraswamy's allegations, Chandrashekar cited George Bernard Shaw’s famous quote, "Never wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty, and the pig likes it," explaining that although they may have to face criminals and accusations in their line of duty, they must remain steadfast in their mission.

“Never lose hope. Because truth always wins. Let us believe in truth, God and our law.Satyameva Jayate,” the letter read.

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