The opposition leaders on Thursday slammed the government for denying them the opportunity to pay tribute to Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat in the Rajya Sabha. Leader of Opposition in the upper house Mallikarjun Kharje condemned the government’s attitude and called it “unfortunate”.
"After the defence minister's statement in Rajya Sabha, the opposition demanded 1-2 minutes for each MP to pay tribute to CDS Gen Bipin Rawat and others who died in the chopper crash. But we were not allowed. It is unfortunate and we condemn this attitude," Kharje told news agency ANI.
“May the government get some wisdom. May the families of the soldiers get the strength to bear the loss. We pray for a speedy recovery of the one who is injured, Varun ji," he further said.
Earlier, when the House met for the day, Deputy Chairman Harivansh informed the house about the tragic accident in Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu on Wednesday afternoon in which CDS Rawat, 63, his wife Madhulika and 11 other defence personnel died.
The House, he said, deeply mourns the passing away of Gen Rawat, his wife, and 11 others.
"The loss of precious lives is indeed painful and unfortunate," he said after which members stood in silence as a mark of respect to the memory of the departed.
Thereafter, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made a statement about the incident, which was identical to the one made in the Lok Sabha earlier.
Kharge wanted that floor leaders of all parties to be allowed to pay tributes but Harivansh said the House has collectivity mourned the deaths and there was no precedent to allow such a thing.
Congress leader Anand Sharma backed Kharge but the deputy chairman disallowed it.
