“Murder of democracy,” says Rahul Gandhi at Opposition’s protest march over ‘manhandling’ of MPs

New Delhi: Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi, along with other Opposition leaders, on Thursday accused the government of bringing outsiders dressed as marshals in Rajya Sabha and physically assaulting members as MPs from several parties marched from Parliament House to Vijay Chowk holding placards.

Gandhi said the voice of 60 per cent of Indians was silenced as the Opposition was not allowed to speak, and called it a murder of democracy.

"As far as 60 per cent of the country is concerned, there has been no Parliament session. The voice of 60 per cent of this country has been crushed, humiliated, and yesterday in the Rajya Sabha, physically beaten," he said.

"We asked the government to debate Pegasus (snooping row). The government refused to debate Pegasus. We raised the issues of farm laws and price rise outside Parliament because we were not allowed (to do so) inside Parliament. Today we have come here to speak to you because we are not allowed to speak in Parliament," he told mediapersons.

"This is nothing short of murder of democracy of this country," Gandhi said.

Opposition leaders including Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, NCP leader Praful Patel, Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut, RJD's Manoj Jha, DMK's Tiruhi Siva and those from several other parties were present.

Asked about Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu being upset over disruptions in the House, an angry Gandhi said it was the first time MPs were beaten up, and questioned what the Chairman was doing.

"For the first time in Rajya Sabha, MPs have been beaten up. Outsiders were dressed as marshals and MPs were pushed and shoved, and you ask if the Chairman is upset. It is Chairman's responsibility to run the House, why didn't he run the House. Why can't we speak in House?" he said.

He also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on various issues.

"The Prime Minister is selling this country. He is selling the soul of the country to two-three corporates. The government does not talk about farmers, or Insurance Bill or Pegasus," he said.

Opposition MPs had earlier alleged they were assaulted by marshals, while the government had accused the Opposition of misbehaving with the security personnel.

The stormy Monsoon session came to an end on Wednesday, two days ahead of schedule. Rajya Sabha witnessed Opposition protests during the passing of the Insurance Bill, which the Opposition wanted to be discussed on the next day.

Marshals were called in Rajya Sabha as Opposition MPs protested. (UNI)