BJP attacks Opposition over mock Parliament, cites Congress precedent

The BJP has pushed back against accusations from the Opposition INDIA bloc over allegations of electoral malpractice following a mock Parliament event, asserting that such exercises had been a standard practice during Congress administrations.

BJP MP Sambit Patra rejected the Opposition's charges of 'vote theft', pointing to the historical precedent of Simulated Indian Representations (SIR) sessions. "This exercise was conducted 10 times when the Congress was in power," Patra stated, underscoring what the party characterizes as selective criticism from the Opposition.

The remarks come amid heightened political tensions between the ruling coalition and the INDIA bloc, with both sides trading accusations over parliamentary procedures and electoral integrity. The BJP's defense strategy centres on establishing that mock parliamentary sessions represent established legislative practice rather than any irregular procedure.

The Opposition alliance has raised concerns over the conduct and implications of the mock Parliament exercise, while the ruling party maintains it has acted within established precedent. The exchange reflects ongoing friction between the government and Opposition parties over parliamentary norms and institutional procedures.